The benefactors who have provided annual and endowed scholarships to Williamson students were honored during the 7th Annual Scholarship Celebration in the Joseph L. and Marion M. Wesley Student Center on April 9.
The celebration included donors and the students they are supporting getting acquainted as they ate lunch together followed by remarks from several speakers.
President Michael Rounds welcomed the attendees and shared the great success of our named scholarship program, noting it has contributed over $1 million to Williamson’s annual budget this year. “These funds are critical to providing a transformative education to our deserving students,” Rounds said.
He continued by acknowledging our group of supporters, both living and deceased, who have contributed to our Legacy Society through a gift of $500,000 or more to endow a scholarship, the interest from which creates the income needed to educate one student annually in perpetuity.
Speaking to all the donors in the room, he said, “As you know, Williamson relies on philanthropy to support the incredible gift of a trade education at no cost for every student. Today, we celebrate the philanthropy of each of you and the accomplishments of our students that you made possible by your generosity.”
Following lunch, the program continued with remarks from Dr. Michelle Williams, Vice President of Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer, who reinforced Rounds remarks of gratitude, noting that the scholarship support provides for a life-changing education opportunity for our students. “Our young men are able to be active participants in an educational process that is of great benefit to them, their families, their communities, and to society at large. Our students are learning and growing. We are also grateful for the hard work, tenacity, and persistence of the students who continue to thrive here on our campus,” Williams said.
Williams then introduced Ivan Bienkowski, a senior in the Power Plant Technology program, to provide testimony of what receiving a name scholarship has meant in his life. Bienkowski holds a scholarship that is funded by the Maguire Foundation. An active member and leader of Williamson’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society chapter, Bienkowski is also an Ambassador, is in the Archery Club, and has been on the baseball team. His cumulative GPA is 3.50.
Bienkowski spoke of attending his first Career Fair at Williamson and that he was amazed at the large number of companies in attendance. “I had never experienced something like that before, and it was pretty neat to see all these companies there, wanting to hire us. Because of the Career Fairs I’ve been introduced to many companies that have offered me internships and jobs. I’ve learned how to present myself professionally and gained confidence in myself.”
As a result of attending the Career Fairs, Bienkowski said he had a great summer internship experience in Kentucky with WARE Boiler, a boiler service provider. The company offered him a full-time job after graduation which he says he is thrilled to start this summer.
Bienkowski said his success is due in part to the support from his family, friends, and Williamson. He especially thanked the Maguire Foundation for investing in his education. “Being able to cross the graduation stage next month with a college degree, zero debt, and a rewarding job in Kentucky waiting for me is a dream come true.”
Next, Arlene Snyder, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, introduced Mike Piotrowicz, Williamson’s longest serving trustee. “Mike has been an asset to our board for more than three decades. His leadership has inspired success over the years, which is evident in the outstanding growth in the college as seen in our increased enrollment, new capital projects, and our fund-raising program.”
Priotrowicz, who along with his wife Pam are the generous sponsors of a Legacy Scholarship for one student in perpetuity, then spoke to the audience about the significant growth our named scholarship program has seen over the years.
Piotrowicz said he remembers the first scholarship celebrations where he was able to name each of the scholarship donors attending the event. “I can’t do that anymore because there are so many here with us today. Hopefully, these numbers will grow even larger.”
He then spoke directly to the student scholars, saying “When you hear the word scholarship, the first thing you think about is money. But in reality, it’s not really about the money. It’s about the relationship of two people coming together, a donor and a scholar.
“Without you, students, we really wouldn’t have anything. You are our product. You represent our core values. You are our reputation and why those companies fill this facility at the Career Fairs. Your skill and character is what we put on the street. You have earned this opportunity. On behalf of all the donors and all of us at Williamson, I thank you. We’re all making a very wise investment in our scholars.
He then addressed the donors, saying “You’re the people that went to work every day. You saved. You created financial security and you decided with some of what you’ve done during your lifetime that you wanted to give back. You’re generous people who care about these students and what we’re trying to accomplish here at Williamson. I thank you on behalf of the entire Board of Trustees for everything you’ve done to make this organization financially strong and provide for our scholars.”
He then introduced Tom Goeke 8W0, the keynote speaker, noting his many contributions and accomplishments that have benefitted the lives of many at Williamson. “Tom is a man of action and integrity. He’s a Williamson Man.”
He highlighted Goeke’s devotion of his time, talent, and treasure, and noted his latest leadership initiative of supporting the Giving Tools-Day campaign. Through this one-day giving challenge, Goeke has been providing a matching gift incentive to generate alumni participation and multiply our fundraising efforts to support Williamson students. As a result, this year’s Giving Tools-Day raised $575,000 to help establish the Giving Tools-Day and Tom and Lucy Goeke Family Legacy Scholarship.
Following his introduction, Goeke delivered a moving keynote address, paying special tribute to the college’s founder.
“Mr. Williamson was a visionary. The recipe he created for the development of young men through life at the school, learning our trade in the shop and in the classroom, is as necessary today as it was in 1888.”
Goeke went on to describe his own Williamson journey, saying “Williamson was transformational in my life. As an alumnus, donor, and board member, I am deeply grateful for the opportunities Williamson provided me.”
He said when he entered Williamson as a freshman, he knew he could work with his hands, but he was uncertain about his ability to handle academic classes. “Through the unwavering support of the faculty and the rigorous, yet nurturing environment at Williamson, I discovered that I could indeed excel academically. By the time I completed my studies at Williamson, I had gained not only invaluable trade skills, but also the confidence to pursue higher education.”
He went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s in Business Administration, and pursue a very successful career. Most recently, he started TJG Consulting, LLC, an investment, industrial consulting, and management services business, and earlier served as President and CEO of Milacron, and held executive positions at several other large corporations.
“Williamson has impacted my life in such a positive way, and this impact extends to my family, my community, and my ability to give back to the school that shaped my future and gave me so much.
“To our esteemed donors, your generosity is more than just financial assistance, it is an investment in the futures of deserving young men. You are giving them the tools to succeed, the confidence to pursue their dreams, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society.
Goeke urged the students present to recognize how fortunate they are to be students at Williamson. “The education you receive at Williamson is a gift made possible by the dedication and generosity of our donors and Mr. Williamson. Make the most of this opportunity. Work hard and strive to excel in all your endeavors. Remember that you are part of a legacy, a lineage of skilled professionals who have gone o
