PepUp awards 2026 McMahan scholarships to three Chesapeake College students

PepUp named three Chesapeake College students as Fall 2026 recipients of the Lee & Audrey McMahan Endowed Scholarship, each receiving $2,000. The awards support tuition, fees and books for students and dependents tied to PepUp and help extend the company's education and community investment on the Delmarva Peninsula.

Why it matters: - The scholarship helps PepUp employees and their dependents pay for college costs at Chesapeake College. - The awards support both degree programs and workforce certification tracks. - PepUp says the program is part of its broader community investment across Delaware, Maryland and Virginia.

What happened: - PepUp announced the Fall 2026 recipients of the Lee & Audrey McMahan Endowed Scholarship at Chesapeake College. - Three students received $2,000 each. - Aubrey Taylor, daughter of PepUp Billing Supervisor Kristen Taylor, will enter the radiology program this fall. - Kirsten Harding, daughter of PepUp Junior Accountant Jessica Harding, will enter the veterinary technician program this fall. - John Wingrove, son of PepUp Executive Assistant Melanie Wingrove, will enter the general studies program this fall.

The details: - The scholarship was established in 1992 by Keith McMahan in honor of Lee and Audrey McMahan. - The scholarship is available to PepUp employees and their dependents. - The award funds tuition, fees and books at Chesapeake College. - Nash McMahan, PepUp president, said the scholarship extends the family's commitment to opportunity and growth. - Nash McMahan is the third-generation president of PepUp. - Nash McMahan served on the Chesapeake College Board of Trustees from 2010 to 2024, including a term as board chair. - PepUp asks interested applicants to contact Amber McGinnis, director of development and executive director of the Chesapeake College Foundation, at 410-827-5866 or amcginnis@chesapeake.edu for more information on applying.

Between the lines: - The awards show how family-owned companies can use endowed scholarships to reinforce ties with local colleges and employees. - The mix of recipients and programs points to support for both healthcare training and broader academic pathways. - The scholarship's long history suggests the program has become a durable part of PepUp's employee benefits and community profile.

What's next: - Chesapeake College students tied to PepUp may continue to apply for future scholarship rounds through the foundation contact listed by the company. - PepUp and the Tri Gas Family of Companies are likely to keep using education support as part of their community outreach.

The bottom line: - PepUp used its endowed scholarship program to fund three more Chesapeake College students, tying workforce support, family legacy and local education into one long-running initiative.