As the supply chain industry evolves to meet global demands, the need to attract and cultivate top talent is critical. Recognizing this, the MHI Board of Governors has approved a $250,000 contribution to the Material Handling Education Foundation, Inc. (MHEFI). This one-time gift underscores MHI’s commitment to building a robust talent pipeline for the material handling and supply chain industry.

Of this significant contribution, $50,000 will establish “The Donna Varner Honor Scholarship” to celebrate the impactful career of Donna Varner, MHI’s retiring director of events and Administration and MHEFI Executive Director. This scholarship will award $5,000 annually to an eligible student for a minimum of 10 years.

Mary Alyson Ammons, the incoming executive director of MHEFI, welcomed this contribution.

“This generous donation is a game-changer for MHEFI and the students we support. It enables us to reach future innovators and leaders, strengthening the workforce that drives the material handling and supply chain industries forward," she said.

For the 2024/2025 academic year, MHEFI awarded a total of $231,700 in scholarships to students. With the call for 2025/2026 scholarships now open, aspiring students are encouraged to learn more and apply at mhefi.smapply.org.

The MHEFI is the philanthropic arm of MHI, an international trade association representing the material handling, logistics and supply chain industry since 1945.