Apply Now for NAILD’s Paul Hafner Memorial Scholarship

November 21, 2018

The National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors created the Paul Hafner Scholarship Fund to help individuals who cannot meet the financial requirement necessary to enroll in the Lighting Specialist (LS) programs.

The scholarship is offered to an individual looking to enhance their lighting education. Applicants must be a member of NAILD, IMARK, NAED or NEMRA. Deadline for submission: March 1, 2019.

Paul Hafner was, a lighting industry veteran who created lighting specialist training programs for the National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors (NAILD). He passed away from pancreatic cancer on July 29, 2018.

Hafner worked in the lighting industry for nearly 30 years and made many contributions to NAILD, its educational programming and the industry at large, says NAILD. According to Becky Phillips, a past president of NAILD, “Paul was an inspiration, mentor and friend to NAILD and its members. He created the foundation of our successful lighting specialist (LS) program and developed and maintained both LS-I and LS-II for many years. He also worked with the organization and board for many years during conference and board retreats to guide the organization to its current path. Paul’s passion for lighting was evident in his relationships with his friends, students and the industry.”

Hafner created “The Transition of Legacy Sources to LED” (LS-I) and “Lighting Specialist II” (LS-II) and helped NAILD launch them in 2006. LS-I helps lighting sales employees better understand how and when customers should retrofit their facilities from incandescent and compact fluorescent light technologies to solid-state lighting (LEDs). LS-II takes that training one step further, focusing on retail, industrial, office and educational facilities. Both courses are a combination of expert technical instruction and hands-on field experience delivered through user-friendly, self-paced online courses that Hafner narrates.

Find out more about the scholarship: naild.org/training/paul-hafner-memorial-scholarship/.

Related Articles

Changing Scene

  • July 10, 2025 - Mac’s II Agencies Announce Addition to Project & Specification Sales Team

    Mac’s II Agencies Announces Addition to Project & Specification Sales Team

    Mac’s II Agencies is pleased to announce that Drazen Jerkovic will be joining their Project & Specification Sales team in the Lighting Division later this fall. With over 25 years of experience in the lighting and electrical industry, Drazen is a highly respected consultant known for his technical knowledge and deep understanding of project delivery. His recent role… Read More…

  • Noramco-Announces-Samantha-Boernsen-as-New-Regional-Sales-Manager-Winnipeg

    Noramco Announces Samantha Boernsen as New Regional Sales Manager, Winnipeg

    Please join Noramco in welcoming Samantha Boernsen as Regional Sales Manager, Winnipeg! Samantha brings a wealth of experience in the electrical industry, with a strong focus on lighting, marketing strategy, and customer engagement. She has built her career on connecting technical expertise with real-world application, making her a trusted partner to clients and colleagues alike.… Read More…

Design

  • What You Need to Consider When Choosing Data Center Lighting

    What You Need to Consider When Choosing Data Center Lighting

    When operating a data center, the lighting syst​em is often not the most concerned part. Actually, lighting system performance directly influences whole electricity consumption and operating costs, especially in a 24-hour non-stop data center. This article will delve into the key factors to be considered when choosing data center lighting. For enterprises that are planning to… Read More…

  • Artika: 5 Advantages of Smart Lighting

    Artika: 5 Advantages of Smart Lighting

    Lighting is arguably one of the most important features of any home. Too bright, and it can be abrasive, increasing your sensitivity to light. Too dim, and it hides the unique characteristics of your home and can have adverse effects on your mood. When you design your home, the type of lighting and fixtures you… Read More…

New Products

  • BOLD: Prism Recessed Outdoor Fixture – RL-PRISM-60-BK

    BOLD: Prism Recessed Outdoor Fixture – RL-PRISM-60-BK

    The Prism is part of BOLD’s high-end, durable, and modern 60mm (2 3/8″) recessed fixtures. With its 93 CRI, hexagonal design, partially covered light source, and 360-degree warm glow, you can create unique ambient lighting effects and modern designs, minus the glare. You can safely walk or drive over these raised recessed lights: their low-profile… Read More…

  • Beta-Calco: Micro Squiggle – Suspended Continuous Lighting System

    Beta-Calco: Micro Squiggle – Suspended Continuous Lighting System

    The Micro Squiggle is a highly customizable curvilinear lighting system, which features a sleek 1-inch aperture and integrates seamlessly with architectural design. With a variety of curves, straight sections, and joiners, it allows you to create unique configurations that wrap around structural elements, enhancing the space’s architectural expression while meeting your specific design needs. Micro… Read More…