MLPA launches fundraising campaign for Upp endowment

Chris Upp ultimately gravitated toward aggregates because of the large number of sites operating around the country. He determined he could work just about anywhere he wanted to – and he did, interning at nearby Conco Quarries when he was a student at the University of Missouri-Rolla, now Missouri University of Science & Technology. Photo: Missouri Limestone Producers Association

The Missouri Limestone Producers Association (MLPA) Scholarship Foundation initiated a fundraising campaign to honor Chris Upp, the longtime Conco Quarries leader who died in March at age 49.

Through the campaign, MLPA aims to pay tribute to Upp by raising $300,000 to establish two annual scholarships of $6,000 each for students enrolled in the mining engineering, explosives engineering and geology programs at Missouri University of Science & Technology (Missouri S&T). Upp graduated from the University of Missouri-Rolla, now Missouri S&T, in 1996.

Upp, a past president of MLPA, served on the MLPA Scholarship Foundation board of directors for more than 20 years. According to MLPA, the Chris Upp Memorial Endowment will carry on Upp’s legacy by supporting students who share his enthusiasm for mining and aggregates.

“Chris Upp’s impact on our industry was profound,” says Matt Rosenthal, vice president and general manager of the Missouri Valley District at Martin Marietta, who currently serves MLPA as president. “Chris is missed by his colleagues, but his contributions are not forgotten. The endowment campaign is a meaningful way to honor his memory and contribute to the next generation of industry leaders.”

Individuals and organizations interested in contributing to the Chris Upp Memorial Endowment can visit uppendowment.org. Checks can also be mailed to:

MLPA Scholarship Foundation
Attn: Chris Upp Memorial Endowment
P.O. Box 1725
Jefferson City, MO 65102

Additional details

Chris Upp, pictured at left, served on the MLPA Scholarship Foundation board of directors for more than 20 years. Photo: Missouri Limestone Producers Association — Chris Upp, pictured at left, served on the Missouri Limestone Producers Association Scholarship Foundation board of directors for more than 20 years. Photo: Missouri Limestone Producers Association

The MLPA Scholarship Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, has been awarding scholarships since 1980. The foundation has awarded students with more than $250,000 to date, MLPA says.

Upp, who worked at Conco Quarries for more than 25 years, was also a past chair of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association’s Young Leaders. He was passionate about education, professional development and bettering communities, often serving in volunteer positions in the industry and in the area around Springfield, Missouri.

For additional details about the Chris Upp Memorial Endowment, email MLPA executive director Dan Kleinsorge at dan@molimestone.com.