Farmington Hills, Mich. (May 2, 2017) Donald M. Marks led a life of generosity and service. It is in this spirit that the Don Marks Memorial Fellowship Fundraising Challenge is announced. The Don Marks Memorial Fellowship will honor Marks' legacy by providing support to an undergraduate or master's student seeking a builder's "hands on" career in the concrete construction industry. This fellowship will be administered through the ACI Foundation.

Don passed away on December 27, 2016, survived by his wife, three daughters, and nine grandchildren. Born in Aurora, IL, his family moved to Fort Lauderdale, FL. when he was just a toddler. He graduated from Georgia Tech with a degree in civil engineering in 1970. He would later earn an MBA from Nova Southeastern University.

His construction career began while working for C.A. Gibeaut before establishing Marks Morris Construction Company with longtime friend Hugh Morris in 1979. He later went on to become President of Form Works Inc., where his numerous accomplishments can be seen throughout South Florida. At Baker Construction, he mentored the next generation of construction engineers. Throughout his career, he was active as a leader in many associations, including former President of American Society of Concrete Contractors, as well as being named a Fellow in the American Concrete Institute. Don was lovingly dubbed the "King of Concrete" by his family.

Fundraising for the fellowship is a joint effort between the ACI Foundation and the American Society of Concrete Contractors. Dan Baker, Baker Concrete Construction, and Tommy Ruttura, Ruttura & Sons, have made a challenge gift of $150,000 contingent upon the industry raising another $150,000. The commitment and generosity of members can ensure the success and distribution of the Don Marks Memorial Fellowship for years to come. If you are interested in donating, please visit acifoundation.org for more information.

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The ACI Foundation was established in 1989 to promote progress, innovation, and collaboration and is a wholly owned and operated nonprofit subsidiary of the American Concrete Institute. Three councils make up the ACI Foundation: the Strategic Development Council, committed to resolving the issues of new technology acceptance within the concrete industry; the Concrete Research Council, which funds and assists in the research of new concrete technologies; and the Scholarship Council, which facilitates student fellowships and scholarships.

For more information, please contact:

Cameron Innis
Marketing Coordinator
+1.248.848.3147
Cameron.Innis@concrete.org