The IBEW Congratulates the 2003 Founders’ Scholarship Winners

December 2003 IBEW Journal

In 1966 the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers established its Founders’ Scholarship program to honor the dedicated wiremen and linemen who organized our union on November 28, 1891.

The scholarships are awarded annually on a competitive basis to promote educational opportunities and skill development for IBEW members. Eligible candidates (IBEW members only) must submit letters of recommendation, academic transcripts, SAT or ACT test scores, a personal resume, and a 250- to 500-word essay titled "How the Founders’ Scholarship Will Benefit the Brotherhood and the Electrical Industry."

The Scholarship Selection Committee awarded two scholarships in 2003. International President Edwin D. Hill and International Secretary-Treasurer Jerry O’Connor are pleased to announce the scholarship recipients.

Mark C. Schoster

Brother Schoster has been a member of Local Union 212 in Cincinnati, Ohio, since May 1997. In 2001 he received a Klein Tool Award for maintaining the highest scholastic average through five years of apprenticeship school.

Brother Schoster’s name appeared on the Dean’s List and the Merit List several times while attending Cincinnati State Technical and Community College. In January 2003 he graduated magna cum laude from that school with an associate degree in applied science and has been attending the University of Cincinnati. His goal is to earn a position in construction management.

"The scholarships provide the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers the opportunity to guide the electrical industry into the future, as opposed to following the industry wherever it may lead us."

Philip J. Worthington

Shown with Philip J. Worthington, center, are, left, Cara, his mother, and Herbert, his father, a 50-year IBEW member.

Scholarship recipient Philip J. Worthington has been a member of Local Union 353 in Toronto, Ontario, since 1986. He has worked in all phases of industrial/commercial/institutional construction, including fire alarms, programmable logic controllers, fiber optics, and computer/communication cabling.

Philip comes from an active IBEW family--his father is a 50-year member of the IBEW. Philip continues this tradition through his lineman rodeo, COPE, shop steward, and organizing efforts. He has also participated in Habitat for Humanity projects.

Brother Worthington is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree at York University with a major in labor studies.

"Whether the front is organizing, politics, non-union competition, or social awareness, our members must lead the way. The Founders’ Scholarships, through financial access, will facilitate the education of our members and in turn benefit the Brotherhood, the industry, and the labor movement as a whole."