TRSA Foundation Awards Four Students $3K Merit Scholarships

Four outstanding students have been awarded $3,000 Merit-Based College/Technical Institution Scholarships by TRSA’s Foundation. Open to full-time employees of TRSA member companies and their immediate family members, the scholarship program supports academic achievement by helping fund tuition at accredited colleges, universities and technical schools.

Meet the 2026 scholarship recipients:

Henry Ellis, a fifth-generation member of Lace House Linen Supply Inc., is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in accounting for finance and consulting at Boston College, with an anticipated graduation in 2027. This summer, he gained hands-on experience in the family business while working on a delivery route alongside a long-time Lace House employee. He also interned in Washington, DC, at Thorn Run Partners. Henry plans to pursue a JD or MBA before returning to Lace House to help grow and evolve the family business. His inspiration comes from the countless family members who have dedicated their lives to Lace House.

Tyler Fitzgerald, a summer employee at Gunderson Uniform & Linen Rental, is entering his sophomore year at the University of Wisconsin–Superior, where he is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business with a concentration in finance and is a member of the university’s varsity baseball team. After working at Gunderson for two summers, Tyler has gained firsthand experience in the operational and financial aspects of the business while building a strong foundation for his continued education.

Barb Lewis, general manager at K-Bro Linen Systems in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, is pursuing an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) at the University of Regina in Saskatchewan. Through the program, she is expanding her expertise in finance, operations and strategic leadership while applying what she learns to real-world business challenges. Her capstone project focuses on optimizing maintenance practices to improve operational performance, equipment reliability and long-term cost efficiency.

Manuela Marulanda, plant manager at Prudential Overall Supply in Nashua, NH, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in project management at Southern New Hampshire University, with an anticipated graduation in 2027. An eight-year employee of Prudential, Manuela began her career as a laundry worker and advanced to plant manager while earning her associate degree magna cum laude from Nashua Community College. She plans to continue her education by pursuing a master’s degree and is committed to using her leadership and project-management skills to strengthen operations while developing future leaders.

“One of the best investments we can make is in people,” said TRSA President & CEO Joseph Ricci. “These scholarships recognize individuals who are investing in themselves through education while strengthening and supporting the future of our industry. We congratulate this year’s recipients and look forward to seeing the many ways they contribute to their organizations, their communities and our industry.”

The Textile Rental Education and Research Trust is dedicated to advancing industry education, research and professional development. Funded by donations from TRSA members, the foundation has supported more than 30 internships and awarded more than 25 scholarships to employees of TRSA operator and supplier partner companies and their families. It has also supported important research initiatives, including the Global Textile Services Market Analysis produced with the Economist Intelligence Unit, and economic impact data from Oxford Economics.

Pictured Above (Left to Right): Barb Lewis, Henry Ellis, Manuela Marulanda and Tyler Fitzgerald