ECA Scholarship

Thank you so much for the honor of receiving the ECA 2010 Scholarship. I was extremely excited to receive notification that I was the top recipient. I will be putting the scholarship towards my extended education Construction Management Certificate and my MBA program enrollment, both at Sonoma State University. I am taking “Traits and Skills of the Project Manager” in the fall and have completed the application process for the MBA program spring 2011 semester.

 

I was born in New London, Connecticut on November 13, 1978, to Chris and Susan Leonhardt. My father was a career Coast Guardsman, and as a result I have seen quite a bit of this country. Besides New London, I have lived in Vallejo and Two Rock, Woodbridge, Virginia; Windsor, California and lastly Rohnert Park, all bby the time I was 10 years old. I have lived in Sonoma County continuously since that time and have deep roots here.

 

My family instilled a great work ethic in me at an early age and I have always preserved to do my best no matter what the job or situation. I am pretty quite as a general rule and extremely patient withal things. I received the Eagle Scout Award from the Boy Scouts of America just before turning 18. I graduated from Rancho Coati High School in 1997 and then proceeded to Santa Rosa Junior College to obtain my Associate’s Degree. In 2003, I graduated from Sonoma State University” with distinction”, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Human Resource Management.

 

During college and before joining Ghilotti Construction Company I worked a variety of jobs including: warehouseman, lumberyard man, wild land firefighter and carpenter. I have been with Ghilotti Construction Company for over five years now and I can honestly say I love this company and thoroughly enjoy the individuals I work with.

 

On March 7, 2010 I married my long time girlfriend, Nicole Condon, now Nicole Leonhardt. We were married on the Island of Maui, Hawaii, on the beach with our immediate family and friends in attendance. We had a wonderful time. When not at work or spending time with my beautiful wife, I enjoy hunting, fishing, abalone diving, outdoor photography, weight lifting, home improvement projects and have recently taken up Jiu-Jitsu.

 

Thank you for this scholarship, I am deeply appreciative of this award and thankful for the generosity of the Northern California Engineering contractors Association.

 

Sincerely,

James F. Leonhardt