Automobile Dealers Association Presents Gift of $10,000
Daniel B. McLeod Memorial Scholarship Awarded

Concord, NH... The Community Colleges of New Hampshire Foundation, with the generous help of the New Hampshire Automobile Dealers Association, has awarded the first annual Daniel B. McLeod Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,500 to Timothy Gagnon, of Nashua, who is studying automotive technology.

In April of 2008, the Community Colleges System of New Hampshire was saddened by the loss of a friend and colleague, Daniel B. McLeod. Mr. McLeod served as Vice-Chairman on the Board of Trustees of the Community College System. Mr. McLeod had served as President of the New Hampshire Automobile Dealers Association from 1988 through 2007. The NHADA Board of Directors designated Mr. McLeod as a National Automobile Dealers Charitable Foundation ambassador at his retirement in December of 2007. After his passing, a scholarship fund was established in his memory by his family and the New Hampshire Automobile Dealers Association (NHADA).

In order to perpetuate this scholarship program, this spring, the NHADA challenged their members to contribute gifts totaling at least $10,000 at which time NHADA matched the donations with an additional gift of $10,000. The New Hampshire Automobile Dealers Association includes nearly 600 members, who represent 25 percent of automotive retail sales in the state. One scholarship will be awarded annually to a promising student studying for a career in Automotive Technology at one of the System's five colleges which offer the program.

Community Colleges Foundation Chairperson Claudette Mahar commented: "Dan was truly a kind and thoughtful person with whom I was fortunate enough to work for many years. I believe this is the type of tribute he would have wanted, a scholarship program to carry on his strong belief in the Community College System and students. The industry continues to need the skilled workers that the System is training and in this tight economy, scholarships enable some students to enter college who might not otherwise be able to do so."

The Community Colleges of New Hampshire Foundation was incorporated in February 2000 as a 501(c)(3) corporation. The Foundation is overseen by a Board of Directors. The Foundation's mission is to support the Community College System of New Hampshire and make higher education more accessible.

The Community College System of NH consists of seven colleges, offering associate degree and certificate programs, plus short-term training options. The system's colleges are Great Bay Community College in Stratham and Portsmouth; Lakes Region Community College in Laconia; Manchester Community College; Nashua Community College; NHTI - Concord's Community College; River Valley Community College in Claremont and Keene; and White Mountains Community College in Berlin.

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Reference: www.nhada.com