Special Statement

Buffalo/Niagara Frontier Chapter 10


"The William B. Todd, V Memorial Scholarship"

A memorial WNY Manufacturing Engineering Educational Trust scholarship is being established. Created to honor the memory of William B. Todd, V, a longtime member of SME Chapter 10 and a two term Director of WYNMEET who passed away on Feb. 25, 2001. Bill joined SME during a time when Student membership at our local colleges was at an all time low. The leadership of SME, chapter 10, asked Bill to see if he could do something to improve the Student membership. Bill took this as a challenge and within a few months, because of tremendous dedication and innovative ideas had all of the Student chapters back on track. He had a very strong attachment to Education and support of Students.

When Bill became a WNYMEET Director in May of 1991, the fund originally known as the "SME Chapter 10 Scholarship Fund" was active but the total of the scholarships being awarded annually was a few hundred dollars and the financial records and procedures needed formalizing. To make a long story short, he analyzed the problems, determined the needs and set about recruiting additional directors and pro bono legal assistance to address those needs. With the help of Bill and the new directors and volunteers the fund has become a separate legal entity with formalized procedures and a Board of (3) elected Directors and (5) volunteers. Through better financial investment management of the funds and an annual solicitation drive, the fund has doubled in size and is currently awarding (1) $1000 and (2) $500 scholarships annually to area students in manufacturing related fields. Again, at Bill's suggestion, WNYMEET is currently in the process of establishing a Community Foundation Trust with a portion of its assets. This will ensure that funds will be available in "perpetuity" to provide scholarships in the name of SME and WNYMEET.

Bill and his contributions to SME and WNYMEET will always be remembered. Memorials and contributions to The William B. Todd, V Memorial Scholarship can be sent to WNYMEET, PO Box 512, East Aurora, NY 14052.


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