INDIANAPOLIS – Chelsea Hochstetler, a junior at University of Southern Indiana (USI), is the recipient of the 2014 Indiana Logistics Scholarship, which honors an accomplished student who has demonstrated a strong interest in logistics.
Hochstetler, a resident of Chandler, Ind., accepted the $1,000 award along with her mother, Janice, from Ports of Indiana Chairman Ken Kaczmarek during the 12th annual Indiana Logistics Summit on Oct. 8 at the Indiana Convention Center. Hochstetler’s application was chosen by representatives from Summit sponsors Vincennes University, Purdue University and Conexus Indiana.
“Chelsea is very deserving of this first logistics scholarship,” Ports of Indiana CEO Rich Cooper said. “Academic excellence and a passion to lead is a winning combination in the classroom and in industry; Chelsea has demonstrated both, and we expect to see great things from her as she completes her course work and pursues a career. We wish her the very best in the future and know she’s one who will make a difference in our industry.”
Hochstetler, formerly the valedictorian at Castle High School in Newburgh, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering with a minor in mathematics. She recently completed a USI research project in which she conducted a market analysis of shipping steel by barge from northwest Indiana to southeast Indiana as a way to reduce interstate truck traffic and create economic opportunities for maritime businesses.
In addition, Hochstetler founded USI’s Industrial Engineering and Manufacturing Club and is the current president. She also is chair of the Student Advisory Board and a member of the Society of Women Engineers.
The announcement took place during the keynote luncheon of the Indiana Logistics Summit, which brought leaders together to discuss the impending transportation crisis and some ideas about how to solve the problem. In addition, high school students from around Indiana participated in “Logistics U,” a day-long educational program focused on logistics opportunities. Workforce development is one of the most critical needs in the transportation and logistics industry. “Logistics U” and the Indiana Logistics Scholarship were created to promote career and educational opportunities in logistics for young people from around the state.
Media Contact: Ty Gerig, tgerig@seasegerig.com – (317) 514-7963