The Missouri Limestone Producers Association (MLPA) concluded its campaign for the Chris Upp Memorial Endowment Fund, raising more than $300,000.
The initial fundraising goal was $150,000.
More than $300,000 was accumulated between raised funds and the Aggregate Industry-University of Missouri-Rolla Scholarship Foundation Inc. Capacity Building Fund, a preexisting endowment that Upp managed for years.
The Chris Upp Memorial Endowment Fund will provide up to $12,000 in annual scholarships to Missouri University of Science & Technology (Missouri S&T) students studying geology, mining engineering or explosives engineering. MLPA will collaborate with the Community Foundation of the Ozarks to manage the fund.
“This overwhelming response reflects the deep respect our industry held for Chris Upp and our commitment to nurturing future talent,” says Chris Williams, vice president of aggregates at Capital Aggregates who serves MLPA as president. “Chris cared deeply about the next generation of miners and leaders, and this is the perfect way to honor the lasting impact he had on all of us.”
Born in 1973 in Springfield, Missouri, Upp graduated from Missouri S&T (previously the University of Missouri-Rolla) in 1996. He spent 27 years with Conco Quarries.
Upp served MLPA as president in 2015, and he was a 20-year member of the MLPA Scholarship Foundation.
Additionally, Upp had a stint as chair of the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association’s Young Leaders Committee. He died in March 2023 at age 49.
“Chris was not just an industry leader but a devoted family man and community pillar,” says Jerry Enyeart, chair of the MLPA Scholarship Foundation. “This endowment honors his commitment to education, his alma mater and our industry.”
Related: Remembering Conco Quarries’ Chris Upp
Featured photo: P&Q Staff
