AWDA Conference: University of the Aftermarket Chairman Champions Education, Scholarships at AWDA Luncheon
During the AWDA Monday afternoon luncheon, which recognized the educational commitment of the association, Roger McCollum, University of the Aftermarket Foundation chairman, stressed that education was paramount to the organizations’ joint mission. “It is simply education. And we're focused on that … and those scholarships are all about these guys,” he said, pointing to a slide of recent scholarship recipients. “These kids are great kids.”
He applauded the readers—those who review and select scholarship winners—and celebrated the caliber of students being offered opportunities. “We have awarded 327 scholarships to kids last year in the amount of $710,000,” McCollum said.
He also recognized the organization’s new Lifetime Trustees: Pete and Lorraine Kornafel, NexaMotion, Sylvania, and The Washbish family; and its Level Up! New Gold Lifetime Trustees: Bosch, First Brands Group, O’Reilly Auto Parts, The Williams Family/N.A. Williams.
McCollum concluded his talk by discussing the success of the Celebrate Mort Campaign, in honor of Mort Schwartz, who for his 90th birthday wants to support the University of the Aftermarket Foundation through scholarships and educational programs funded by UAF. The event raised $350,000 through its Celebrate Mort Reception held on Saturday, Nov. 2 at The Venetian Hotel.