CHICAGO – Just prior to the kick-off of the 2012 Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium (GAAS) in Chicago on Wednesday, the GAAS Scholarship Committee gathered to select this year’s scholarship recipients. Net proceeds from the symposium are used to fund the GAAS scholarship program.
 
As of Wednesday morning, GAAS Scholarship Chairman Pete Kornafel announced that 91 students had received more than $104,000 in scholarships this year. Another seven scholarships will be presented to Canadian students.
 
In all, the committee received 494 complete applications to consider for scholarships this year. Sixty-five percent qualified for more than one award.
 
New this year, Stant Corp. pledged five $1,000 scholarships. In addition, while at the symposium, funds were generated to provide five more students with scholarships, thanks to last-minute donations from GAAS attendees, bringing the total number of scholarship recipients this year to 103 students.
 
Also on Wednesday at GAAS, Larry Pavey, president of Federated Auto Parts, spoke to attendees about the University of the Aftermarket Foundation. Founded in 1986, the foundation has generated $5.4 million in endowments pledged by suppliers and distributors in the aftermarket. With the sole mission to support educational endeavors in the aftermarket, the foundation seeks to increase financial support and continue the legacy left by its founders, whom as Pavey pointed out, personally impacted many in the room.
 
For more information about GAAS Scholarships, visit www.automotivescholarships.com.