SYRACUSE — The New York Water Environment Association, a statewide nonprofit organization of water quality management professionals, has announced that it is awarding a major $4,000 NG Kaul Memorial Scholarship to Matthew P. Baideme of West Point, New York, who is originally from Westfield. Kaul scholarships recognize outstanding graduate or doctoral students pursuing degrees in environmental/civil engineering or environmental science concentrating on water quality who show a commitment to government service.

Baideme, 37, is an active duty officer in the US Army Corps of Engineers with over 15 years of service. He is a PhD candidate (2019) in earth and environmental engineering at Columbia University who, on completion of his doctorate, will return to West Point US Military Academy, his alma mater, as an assistant professor of geography and environmental engineering. Baideme holds MS degrees in environmental management from the Missouri University of Science and Technology and in civil and environmental engineering from Stanford University. He obtained his BS in environmental engineering from the USMA. He is the son of Phillip and Carol Baideme of Westfield and is a 1998 graduate of Westfield Central School.

In addition to offering several other major annual scholarships, NYWEA has awarded nearly $50,000 since 2006 in NG Kaul Memorial scholarships to 34 students. A total of $7,000 is being awarded this year to four graduate students. Details and application forms for this and other NYWEA scholarships can be found at: www.nywea.org/ scholarship/.

“The dedicated volunteers and generous members and friends who knew NG Kaul, a highly respected engineer who served New York City, New York State and the US EPA with excellence, have created a lasting memory in his name. It is because of this that the NG Kaul Memorial Scholarship has the funding in place to provide strong support for several annual scholarships for deserving students who have the passion and commitment to work in a career that helps protect our water environment,” said Patricia Cerro-Reehil, executive director of the Syracuse-based NYWEA.

“We are so grateful and proud of our NYWEA membership and friends who have contributed to our scholarship program, and have allowed NG’s passion toward water quality to live on in these students who are going on to make a difference.”

About NYWEA: Founded in 1929 by professionals in the field of water quality as a nonprofit educational organization, NYWEA has 2,500 members statewide who historically have helped lead the way for state and national clean water programs. NYWEA hosts several technical conferences each year for environmental engineers, scientists, public officials and others who work in water and wastewater quality management. In addition, NYWEA sponsors a scholarship program, publishes Clear Waters, a quarterly educational trade magazine, administers wastewater operator training certification, and supports humanitarian clean water projects. Headquartered in Syracuse, NYWEA has seven regional chapters, 13 college student chapters and is a Member Association of the international Water Environment Federation. For more information, visit www.nywea.org or call 315-422-7811.