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July 2009 Membership Meeting and Scholarship Awards Presentation
The July 2009 membership meeting and dinner was held at Aldaco's Mexican Cuisine, Sunset Station in San Antonio. Chapter President Jon Simms welcomed everyone to the membership meeting and annual Chapter scholarship awards presentation. (link to photo) After the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, Harry Reese, member of the Board of Directors, led the group with an inspiring invocation. Simms then announced the San Antonio Chapter had won the NDTA National Membership Drive, thanks largely to our number one recruiter, Staff Sergeant Regina Green. Green's efforts won her a Lifetime Membership in the NDTA and the National Headquarters awarded the San Antonio Chapter was awarded $500. Next Simms announced the Chapter's Night Out at the Ballgame on August 15 and the annual Chapter Scholarship Golf Tournament on September 11. After dinner, Simms introduced special guest speaker, Ms. Paulette Jordan, Logistics Instructor, Palo Alto College.
Jordan (link to photo) began her presentation by letting telling her audience know she is a retired Air Force officer, having served 24 years on active duty with the last 14 years in transportation. She commented that during her career, she taught in some way throughout her AF career. Focusing on the main topic, Jordan began discussion on the importance of education. She stressed that no one should let a lack of money hold them up from getting an education. There are many scholarship programs, she said, that will assist in paying education costs. Jordan went on to say that an education is not easy to get but that it is worth it in the long run. Going to College is the means, she said, but learning is the goal. She went on naming the pros and cons of gettinga higher education. Cost was cited as the number one con, then discussing cost versus value. Her presentation slide indicated the cost of education at private universities and colleges could be a much as $50, 000 per year (including room and board). However, the tuition fee at some state colleges is much less (Portland Community College = $2,665). Jordan then showed a comparison of logistics/ transportation degrees offered by different Texas colleges, ranging from $42K to $62K. She followed by advising that enrollment in community colleges is up, accounting for more than half of all first year students in higher education. Turning to education in logistics. Jordan pointed out that in 1980 only 32 percent of logistics managers held graduate degrees, as opposed to 81% in 2006. She concluded her presentation with statistics showing that salaries for college graduates are substantially higher than non-graduates.
Simms presented Ms. Jordan with a Horse Shoe Business Card Holder in appreciation for addressing the group.
The Scholarship Presentation Ceremony was conducted by Mary Hall, Chapter Scholarship Awards Chairman, and Adam Pincus, Scholarship Awards Committee member.
Hall announced Mr. Jorge Ortiz as the winner of $750 scholarship and read the
accompanying citation. Pincus presented the award citation and a voucher
to Ortiz. photo link
Hall announced Ms. Marian Page Fisher as the winner of The Bill Thornton Memorial NDTA Scholarship Award and read the accompanying citation. Pincus presented the award citation and a voucher for $1500.00 to Fisher. photo link
The Bill Thornton Memorial NDTA Scholarship is dedicated to recognizing excellence in academic achievement and demonstrated desire to serve mankind. Recipients of this scholarship are entrusted with the legacy of Bill Thornton’s lifework in serving God and country to the very best of their abilities. Link to Award Citation
Cindy Holliday ran the 50-50 drawing, which netted $20.00 for the lucky winner, Georgia Fisher, and an equal amount for the Chapter scholarship fund. Georgia generously donated her $20 to the scholarship fund. Thanks Georgia and to everyone who participated.
Simms thanked all in attendance and, there being no further comments from the floor, adjourned the meeting.
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