Congratulations to Rileigh Manuel on receiving the inaugural Rick and Debbie Gopffarth Mechanical Construction Endowed Scholarship at MCAA26 during the Awards of Excellence Breakfast on March 18.

Rick Gopffarth served as the 2024-2025 MCAA president and is the senior vice president of preconstruction for Dynamic Systems Inc. (DSI) in Dallas. Following his presidency, he and Debbie desired to give back to the community that gave them so much and established a new scholarship to support the next generation of mechanical construction students. Rick is a firm believer that success comes from strong partnerships, good customers, and the value of higher education. Together, Rick and Debbie believe this scholarship will encourage students who share their values to select mechanical for their career path and assist them with building a meaningful career in the industry.

Rileigh anticipates graduating from Pittsburg State University in May 2027 with a degree in Construction Management. She has been a member of the student chapter at Pittsburg State University since 2024 and has served as the chapter’s vice president. This summer, she will be heading back for a second summer internship with MCAA Member, Cerris Systems.

“I have gained so many things from my involvement with MCAA, including relationships with other companies and students that will last me my whole career. I have also gained knowledge in not only the mechanical construction world, but also for everyday life. I plan to stay involved with my chapter by joining the MCA KC Young Professionals Committee. I also plan to take classes that are provided, like the project management (Pre-IPM) class.

"After graduation, I plan to go full time with a mechanical contractor as a project engineer. Five years down the road, I hope to move up and become a project manager. I love being able to be out on the jobsite but also having a role in the office. When working for Cerris Systems, I got a little taste of what that would look like. I’m excited to learn even more this summer!”

MCAA and the John R. Gentille Foundation congratulate Rileigh on this prestigious scholarship and thank Rick and Debbie Gopffarth for their commitment to supporting students interested in pursuing a career in the mechanical contracting industry.

View additional information on JRGF Scholarships, or make a donation to the foundation for a research project, initiative, scholarship or cause here.