Recipients of New York dealer-issued scholarships are five military veterans retraining as auto technicians. They range from a Russian childhood immigrant to a go-getter who wants to own a dealership someday.
Each received $5,000 scholarships for their training at a Lincoln Technical Institute branch that’s part of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Assn.’s Center for Automotive Education & Training in Queens. The center opened in 2005 to train people interested in dealership careers.
The scholarship money comes from a record $110,000 raised at a charity golf outing. Long Island dealers who belong to the association, allied members and guests participated in the GNYADA fundraiser at the Old Westbury Golf & Country Club on Long Island.
“The scholarships help provide deserving students with the tools and skills needed to complete their education and develop long-lasting careers in the retail-automotive industry,” says GNYADA Chairman Nick Toomey.
He adds: “This year, we are thrilled to recognize five special students who are veterans who have served their country with honor.
The recipients are:
- Joseph Rosario, a decorated Army veteran who was stationed in Korea. A husband and father, his long-term goal is to become a franchised new-car dealer himself. Scholarship awarders praise his determination, Lincoln Tech performance and his distinguished military service.
- Yonglie Li spent five years as a multilingual U.S. Army mechanic stationed in Korea. Following his military service, Li enrolled at Lincoln Tech, where he has been a high-performing student. His goal is to become a master technician at a new-car dealership.
- Chris Delpeshe’s six years with the U.S. Army took him to Iraq, where he was a field artillery specialist. At Lincoln Tech, he has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA. Instructors praise his professionalism and leadership qualities. Prior to his military service, he spent 17 years as a corrections officer in a federal prison.
- As a Marine, Jose Martinez’s specialty field was the modification and preventative maintenance of military trucks. At Lincoln Tech, he has a 4.0 GPA and is respected by students and instructors alike as a fierce learner. He also has enrolled in BMW’s STEP program. He aspires to become an A-technician at a dealership.
- Alexander Zvyagin emigrated to the U.S. from Russia at age nine. He graduated from Villanova University with a major in business administration. He enlisted in the Air Force, working in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. After his discharge, he worked as a security consultant and natural-disaster emergency responder (Hurricane Sandy). Last year, he decided to turn his favorite hobby, “working on cars,” into a career. He has a 4.0 GPA and a 98% attendance record at Lincoln Tech.
