Local couple challenging others to give scholarships

Local couple challenging others to give scholarships

ANGOLA – The Metal Technologies Foundation is challenging people to donate textbook scholarships for students at Trine University. The foundation will match, dollar-for-dollar, up to 50 scholarships, valued at $500 each. The university hopes the challenge will be met before its eighth annual Black and White Scholarship Gala, which will be Saturday, Feb. 12.

Rick James, chief executive officer of Metal Technologies, and his wife, Vicki, already have personally committed to the gift of 10 textbook scholarships in addition to the Metal Technologies Foundation challenge.

“I want to see all these scholarships donated so that our foundation can write a check for $25,000,” Rick James, a Tri-State (now Trine) graduate and trustee said. “This is money that will go directly from you to students who need that extra little bit of help. When I was in college, I know something like this would’ve been appreciated.”

The Jameses, who live on Crooked Lake, have been involved as donors and volunteers at the university for many years. At the scholarship gala in 2009, textbook scholarships were up for bid. The Jameses thought they could increase the types of donations if they got the foundation involved.

“And, we wanted to put our money where our mouths were,” James said. “It’s important that our company step up to the plate and give back in the community, and we felt we should lead by example.”

James added that he believes he has an obligation to give and to encourage others to give. This year at Christmas, he and his wife gave each of their grandchildren $100 to give to a charity or someone in need.

“We want to instill the value of giving early. We weren’t always in the position to make monetary gifts, so we gave our time,” Vicki James said.

“We have been blessed beyond any of our imaginations,” James said. “None of what we have we can take with us. So, we want to do what we can to make a difference now, and we’re trying to find ways to help the university and its students.”

 Kent Stucky, vice president of alumni and development, said donors will find out who receive their scholarships.

“We are very appreciative of the generosity of Metal Technologies and also of Rick and Vicki James,” Stucky said. “We hope to exceed the match and see students benefit from the full amount of this challenge. This is a wonderful opportunity for alumni, friends and community members to directly support students in need, who will one day graduate and work to make our communities stronger.”