Construction company honors owner with $100K scholarship endowment ahead of retirement

ConstructionPeople

Mar 12

Photo courtesy of EV Construction
From left to right: Jen Schottke, President of WMCI; Mike Novakoski, EV President & Chief Executive Officer; Tony Roussey, EV Chief Operating Officer; Brett Lesiwicz, EV Vice President of Project Management; Joe Novakoski, EV Vice President of Operations; John Parker, EV Vice President of Project Development.

EV Construction Owner, Chief Operating Officer and former Safety Director of Construction, Tony Roussey, will retire at the end of 2025. In honor of Roussey’s dedication to the industry, the remaining owners of EV Construction surprised him with the establishment of the Tony Roussey Building Futures Scholarship, the initial $100,000 contribution to an endowment fund at the West Michigan Construction Institute (WMCI). The announcement was made at EV Construction's 10th annual Safety Symposium.

Roussey grew up as the son of a general contractor and has since been a fixture in the construction industry for over 57 years. As a founding board member of WMCI, Tony served as board president in 2024 and continues to impact the organization's mission to build strong communities by preparing the next generation of construction professionals for a lifelong career.

"This scholarship fund is an incredible honor," said Roussey. "Everything I've done throughout my career has been about the people—the workers, the leaders, and the community we build together. Knowing this fund will help future generations of tradespeople is truly meaningful to me."

Throughout his career, Roussey has led EV Construction to earn numerous accolades, including the 2012, 2016, and 2024 Michigan Contractor of the Year awards through the American Subcontractors Association of Michigan, the Safety Pinnacle Award and Safety Excellence Award from Associated Builders and Contractors National (ABC) and the Safety Contractor of the Year Award from ABC's Western Michigan Chapter multiple times.

"Tony's vision for safety and education has shaped the culture at EV Construction and across the industry," said Mike Novakoski, President and CEO at EV Construction. "The Tony Roussey Building Futures Scholarship will ensure that his commitment to developing future leaders lives on for generations."

The WMCI endowment fund will provide a platform for other construction companies and trade partners to make contributions in honor of key team members' retirements.

"At WMCI, we believe that opportunity should never be limited by financial barriers. This generous lead gift from EV Construction, given in honor of Tony Roussey, not only cements his incredible legacy in the construction industry but also opens doors for future generations of skilled trades professionals. Tony's journey from the trades to executive leadership embodies the potential our students have when given the right support and opportunity," said Jen Schottke, President, WMCI.

To contriubute to the Tony Roussey Building Futures Scholarship, visit https://www.wmcinstitute.com/.