Tony Williamson Building Better Futures Scholarship Awarded to Four Graduates

The Swinerton Foundation was honored to present four graduates from the Fall 2022 Cypress Mandela Training Center program in Oakland, CA, with The Tony Williamson Building Better Futures Scholarship.

Cypress Mandela Fall 2022 Graduation

Terry McKellips, Senior VP and Region Manager for Northern California, spoke to the graduating class about Tony’s mentorship for so many at Swinerton and the opportunity they have now to mentor others.

The four graduates chosen as scholarship winners each received $1,250. In addition to a monetary award, the top-scoring applicant, Marco Cuarezma-Tiffer, was offered a position with Swinerton. The applications received from this class were very impressive, making it difficult to choose our winners. In fact, they were so impressive, Swinerton gave each applicant a Home Depot gift card to help them purchase the tools and supplies needed to start their careers in construction.

We believe Tony would be proud of our winners and look forward to seeing our next round of applicants for The Tony Williamson Building Better Futures Scholarship.

About The Tony Williamson Building Better Futures Scholarship

The Swinerton Foundation’s Tony Williamson Building Better Futures Scholarship was established in 2018 to assist individuals interested in pursuing careers in the construction industry. This scholarship aims to strengthen partnerships with local construction workforce development programs; provide support to individuals seeking employment or education in construction; increase diversity in the construction workforce; and educate, through financial assistance and career development, the future leaders of the construction industry.

Tony Williamson began his career as a union carpenter and became one of the Bay Area’s finest and most respected superintendents, demonstrating skill and leadership on every project. Tony was a true master builder and construction professional who took his job very seriously and exemplified integrity, leadership, passion, and excellence. His passion for the industry was infectious, all the while mentoring and empowering others to be the very best they can be.

He inspired others to dream, participate, persevere, take the initiative, and make a difference. He did all this by creating standards of excellence and setting an example for others to follow. Through his magnetism and quiet persuasion, he looked for innovative ways to improve the industry, foster collaboration, and build spirited teams. Tony’s strong commitment to mentorship and training, specifically within the skilled trades, is why this Scholarship bears his name.