MHI’s Board of Governors has moved to address the need for the US materials handling sector to attract and cultivate top talent by donating USD250,000 to the Materials Handling Education Foundation (MHEFI).

From this donation, USD50,000 will be used to establish the Donna Varner Honor Scholarship in recognition of the impactful career of MHI’s retiring director of events and administration and MHEFI executive director, Donna Varner. This scholarship will be awarded annually to an eligible student over the next decade to the value of USD5,000.

“This one-time gift underscores MHI’s commitment to building a robust talent pipeline for the material handling and supply chain industry,” the industry body states.

During the 2024-25 academic year, MHEFI awarded USD231,700 in scholarships. Of this, USD80,000 was raised for the foundation by MHI at its annual conference in November, which alone will support 61 students through scholarships this year. 

Incoming MHEFI executive director Mary Alyson Ammons says of the USD250,000 donation: “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.”

The Material Handling Education Foundation (MHEFI) is an independent charity founded in 1976. Since then, its programs have supported more than 1,500 students and educators.