“Kirk Mescher was a renowned geothermal engineer, a mentor and a friend,” said Geothermal Exchange Organization (GEO) President Doug Dougherty as he signed a check for $1,000 to the Kirk T. Mescher Scholarship Fund. “I challenge everyone in the geothermal heat pump (GHP) industry to match and exceed this investment in the future of our industry — the bright engineers who will take our technology to the next level.”

Kirk Mescher, owner of CM Engineering, based in Columbia, Mo., passed away on Aug. 19. He was known nationwide for his innovative GHP designs. He pioneered ground loop designs that eliminated costly valve vaults, manifolds and outside air handling designs that permitted the use of standard GHPs. His designs consistently achieved U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) top scores.

Mescher was an active member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), achieving fellow status, distinguished service, exceptional service, served as chair of the Society Program Committee, Conferences Committee, TC 5.5 (Air-to-Air Heat Recovery) was a member of TC 6.8, and served as an ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer.

The Kirk T. Mescher Scholarship Award Fund, led by geothermal engineer Lisa Meline and her colleagues, is meant to assist:

Teaching Faculty interested in developing course material on GSHP or otherwise providing GHP information to students.

Students interested in a career in HVAC and interested in attending an ASHRAE Conference or course addressing GSHP. 

Practicing Engineers, Teaching Faculty, or Students who have an idea for an elegant way to achieve more energy efficiency, and could use this award to test and put the idea(s) into practice.

Checks can be made out to the “Kirk T. Mescher Scholarship Fund” to Central Bank of Boone County, P.O. Box 678, Columbia, MO 65205. For more information, visit www.geoexchange.org.