Scholarships

DSSF Scholarship Program Now Open

The Door Security & Safety Foundation (DSSF) Scholarship Program is dedicated to supporting the professional growth of individuals in the door and hardware industry. Each year, the Foundation awards a set number of scholarships to help cover the cost of education offered through the Door and Hardware Institute (DHI). These scholarships are designed for professionals seeking to deepen their technical expertise, pursue DHI certifications, or achieve specialized skills that will strengthen their contributions to the industry.

Since its inception in 1997, the DSSF has awarded more than 200 scholarships to deserving applicants, empowering them to expand their skills, stay current with evolving industry standards, and advance their careers. By funding access to high-quality education, the program not only benefits individual recipients but also contributes to raising the overall knowledge base and professionalism within the door and hardware community.

The program is ideal for aspiring or established professionals who are committed to continuous learning and who wish to make a lasting impact on the safety, security, and performance of the built environment. Through these scholarships, the Foundation invests directly in the future of the industry, ensuring that the next generation of leaders and experts is equipped with the knowledge and skills to succeed.

Apply for a 2026 DSSF Scholarship by October 9

The Door Security & Safety Foundation (DSSF) Scholarship Program is now accepting applications.

Whether you're looking to expand your expertise through industry training, certification programs, or continuing education, a DSSF scholarship can help you take the next step in your professional journey.

Apply for a DSSF Scholarship

Scholarships include and are sponsored by:

Scholarship Sponsor

BHMA/Adon H. Brownell, DAHC Scholarship - $2000

Charles W. Mullins Memorial Scholarship - $3,000

 Mullins Family, Mullins Building Products

Danny Campbell Memorial Fund Scholarship - $2,000

 Family of Danny Campbell

Hager Companies Scholarship in Memory of Bill Hager - $2,000

Joseph Lesniak, DAHC Memorial Fund Scholarship - $2,000

 Family of Joseph Lesniak

NGP Scholarship, in honor of Chuck Smith, FDHI - $2,000

Puget Sound/H. Stephen Bettge, DAHC, FDAI Chapter Scholarship - $2,000

 Puget Sound DHI Chapter

S.A. Morman Scholarship, in Memory of Doug Hoogerhyde - $2,000

Scott A. Sabatini, DAOC, FDHI, CFDAI, IQP, CSI, CCPR, MBA Chapter Leadership/Mentorship Award - $2,000

Sharon Ashton, AHC, FDAI, CDT Tribute Fund for Education Scholarship - $2,000

 Garry Ashton / Old Dominion DHI Chapter

TCH Scholarship, in Memory of George H. Boomer, Sr. - $2,000

Wisconsin Chapter Scholarship - $2,000

 Wisconsin DHI Chapter

The Barry Shovlin Legacy Scholarship - $2,500*

*New in 2026! The Barry Shovlin Legacy Scholarship

For more than 40 years, Barry Shovlin was a respected and influential leader in the door and architectural openings industry, dedicating his career to advancing the people, products, and relationships that make our industry stronger.

Throughout his career, Barry held roles with Forte Opening Solutions and other leading door manufacturers, building a reputation as a knowledgeable, trusted, and generous industry professional. His influence extended well beyond his individual roles. Barry was a person people turned to for his expertise, perspective, and willingness to help others succeed.

Barry’s commitment to the industry was also reflected in his longstanding service to the Door and Hardware Institute (DHI). From 2002 through 2024, he served on many DHI committees and contributed his time, knowledge, and leadership to the organization. He also served on the DHI Board of Governors and as DHI President from 2014 to 2015. His willingness to give back to the broader industry demonstrated his belief that the strength of the door and hardware profession depends on people who are willing to contribute, share knowledge, and help others grow.

Barry’s commitment to the industry was also reflected in his service to the Door and Hardware Institute (DHI), where he served on the DHI Board of Directors. His willingness to give his time, knowledge, and leadership to the broader industry demonstrated his belief that the strength of the door and hardware profession depends on people who are willing to contribute, share knowledge, and help others grow.

The Barry Shovlin Legacy Scholarship was created to honor that commitment and ensure that Barry’s passion for the industry continues to make a difference.

The scholarship will be administered through the Door Security & Safety Foundation, an organization dedicated to education, advocacy, and awareness of door security and safety. Through the Foundation, the scholarship will provide financial support to individuals working in the industry who are pursuing continuing education, professional development, industry certifications, training, or other opportunities to expand their knowledge and advance their careers through DHI Education.

Barry understood that a strong industry is built by investing in its people. He believed in the value of knowledge, the importance of relationships, and the responsibility experienced professionals have to help prepare the next generation.

By helping others learn, grow, and advance, the scholarship carries forward the qualities that defined Barry’s career: leadership, knowledge, mentorship, professionalism, service, and a commitment to making the industry better.

2025 Scholarship Award Recipients

  • Anthony Baisden, Bell Hardware (California) Hager Companies Scholarship
  • Connie M. Lucas, Doors Incorporated (Iowa) Wisconsin Chapter Scholarship
  • Diane Grassa, JC Ryan EBCO/H & G, LLC (New York) Danny Campbell Memorial Fund
  • Georgina Mauldin, McCarthy Inc. (Georgia) Foster Smith at NGP
  • Kenny Kysar, Baylor Commercial Door & Hardware (Kentucky) Scott A. Sabatini, DAOC, FDHI, CFDAI, IQP, CSI, CCPR, MBA Chapter Leadership/Mentorship Award
  • Matthew Davis, Commercial Installation (Tennessee) TCH Scholarship
  • Melissa York, Walsh Door & Security (Missouri) Joseph Lesniak, DAHC Memorial Fund
  • Samantha Diorio, JC Ryan EBCO/H & G, LLC (New York) S.A. Morman & Co - Jason Ruud
  • Seth Jones, Hanover Specialties (Virginia) Sharon Ashton, AHC, FDAI, CDT Tribute Fund for Education (Old Dominion)
  • Tracy Carroll, Thompson Company, Inc. (Massachusetts) Charles W. Mullins Memorial Scholarship
  • William Kunkle, FBH Architectural Security (Michigan) BHMA/Adon H. Brownell, DAHC Scholarship

2024 Scholarship Award Recipients

  • Kathy Banjavcic, Univ. of Alberta, (Alberta) BHMA/Adon H. Brownell, DAHC Scholarship
  • Weston Shiner, S&S Hardware LLC (Idaho) Colorado Doorways, in memory of C.H.Johnson, DAHC Scholarship
  • Ryan Marshall, Southwest Doors and Hardware (Ontario) Hager Companies Scholarship
  • Misty Thompson, Hardware Specialties Inc (North Carolina) TCH Scholarship, in Memory of George H. Boomer, Sr.
  • Justin Yanez, Sword Company (Texas) Charles W. Mullins Memorial Scholarship
  • William McAden, Architectural Products of Virginia (Virginia) Sharon Ashton, AHC, FDAI, CDT Tribute Fund for Education (Old Dominion Scholarship)
  • Jacob Arango, Construction Hardware Company (California) Joseph Lesniak, DAHC Memorial Fund Scholarship
  • Nicholas Delaney, Kinship Group LLC (Washington) Puget Sound/H. Stephen Bettge, DAHC, FDAI Chapter Scholarship
  • Michael Frizzell, Kamco (Massachusetts) Danny Campbell Memorial Fund Scholarship

2023 Scholarship Award Recipient

  • Alex Stapleton, Schiller Hardware, Inc. (Kentucky) Joseph Lesniak, DAHC Memorial Fund Scholarship
  • Anesha Woods, Allen Commercial Door & Specialty Hardware (Louisiana) Charles W. Mullins Memorial Scholarship
  • Austin Peck, Architectural Products of Virginia (Virginia) Sharon Ashton, AHC, FDAI, CDT Tribute Fund for Education (Old Dominion Scholarship)
  • Briana Montenegro, G&G Door Products, Inc. (California) TCH Scholarship, in Memory of George H. Boomer, Sr.
  • Ian Espina, CP Distributors, Ltd. (Canada) Danny Campbell Memorial Fund Scholarship
  • Jeffrey France, Allen Commercial Door & Specialty Hardware (Louisiana) Hager Companies Scholarship.
  • Jeremy Killey, ISEC, Inc. (Washington) Puget Sound/H. Stephen Bettge, DAHC, FDAI Chapter Scholarship
  • Joseph King, Kamco Lock Solutions (New Hampshire) Colorado Doorways, in memory of C.H.Johnson, DAHC Scholarship
  • Kevin B. Weaver, FDAI, Kinship Group LLC (Washington) Puget Sound/H. Stephen Bettge, DAHC, FDAI Chapter Scholarship
  • Lisa Meissner, DHT, Hull Supply Co., Inc. (Wisconsin) Wisconsin Chapter Scholarship
  • Ryan Suffridge, Taylor Trim & Supply, Inc. (California) Corbin Russwin/ASSA ABLOY, In Memory of Shirley Henry, AHC, Scholarship