SWANSEA – TWM, Inc., one of the top engineering and geospatial firms in the metro-east St. Louis area, is proud to announce Adam Bilzing, a senior at Belleville West High School, as the recipient of the inaugural Jim Barganier Memorial Scholarship.
The $2,500 scholarship was established in honor of TWM’s late colleague and surveyor, Jim Barganier, PLS, to support students pursuing STEM-related degrees. Josh Hoffmann, Director of Geospatial Services at TWM, Jim’s wife Lori Barganier, and son, Reese Barganier, attended the school’s awards ceremony at Belleville West to present Adam with the scholarship. Adam plans to attend the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign this fall, where he will study Civil Engineering with an emphasis in Structural Engineering.
“It was an honor to present this scholarship to Adam and recognize his academic achievements and hard work,” said Josh Hoffmann, Director of Geospatial Services at TWM. “Jim believed strongly in mentorship and encouraging young people to pursue careers in engineering and surveying, and Adam represents the type of driven and talented student this scholarship was created to support.”
Jim Barganier earned his bachelor’s degree in Industrial Technology-Engineering from Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL. Through dedication and continuous learning, he became a licensed Professional Land Surveyor and joined TWM in 2017, contributing his expertise to countless projects and mentoring those around him.
Beyond his professional achievements, Jim enjoyed the outdoors and loved hunting, camping, fishing, and spending time on his boat. He also coached both of his sons’ baseball teams, sharing his enthusiasm for sports and mentorship with others. His energy, laughter, kindness, and leadership left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. “Creating this scholarship is our tribute to Jim’s remarkable life and an opportunity to support and inspire future STEM leaders pursuing their dreams,” said Derek Twente, PLS, EI, Chief Operating Officer.
The Jim Barganier Memorial Scholarship is available annually to graduating high school seniors in the greater St. Louis metro area and surrounding counties who plan to pursue a STEM-related degree.
About TWM, Inc. Celebrating 80 years in business in 2026, TWM is a 100% employee-owned firm providing engineering and geospatial services. From its humble beginnings in Belleville, IL in 1946.
