Penn College News

Area chapter of Studebaker Drivers Club launches scholarship

Tuesday, April 9, 2019

The Keystone Region Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club has established a $25,000 endowed scholarship fund to benefit students enrolled in the automotive restoration technology program at Pennsylvania College of Technology.

To apply for the scholarship, applicants must be enrolled full time in the automotive restoration program at Penn College and have completed two semesters with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

The Keystone Region Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club, based in central Pennsylvania, is dedicated to the preservation and restoration of Studebaker vehicles. The chapter’s first meet was held in 1968 in Union County, with 42 cars and trucks and nearly 100 Studebaker fans attending. The club, which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, has grown its original membership from about 20 to more than 250 today.



Establishment of an endowed Keystone Region Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club scholarship fund is sealed with a handshake in College Avenue Labs, home to Penn College's automotive restoration technology program. From left are Elizabeth A. Biddle, director of corporate relations for the college; Gaye Liddick, chapter president; Kyle A. Smith, executive director of the Penn College Foundation; and Larry Michael, the club's regional manager for Pennsylvania.“The Keystone Region Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club is proud to be able to establish an endowed scholarship to assist students enrolled in Pennsylvania College of Technology’s automotive restoration technology program,” said Gaye Liddick, chapter president. “Our members are very pleased to continue our charitable giving by establishing this endowed scholarship to help prepare a new generation of car enthusiasts for successful careers in the field of automotive restoration technology.”

“The antique car hobby is always looking for highly skilled restoration technicians, and we are confident our contribution will assist many students in the future advance their skills in this exciting field,” added Larry Michael, Studebaker Drivers Club regional manager for Pennsylvania. “Penn College has made outstanding progress in this major, which has resulted in faculty and students attaining national recognition for their quality program and restoration work.”

“This scholarship from the Keystone Region Chapter of the Studebaker Drivers Club is a testament to the outstanding successes of our students, faculty and alumni of the automotive restoration program,” said Kyle A. Smith, executive director of the Penn College Foundation. “We are so thankful for the support of Penn College students through this scholarship. These partnerships with industry and professional organizations are what set Penn College apart and allow us to continue offering an exceptional educational experience to our students.”

Career opportunities for graduates of Penn College’s automotive restoration technology program include a wide variety of automotive restoration businesses such as automotive restoration shops, custom fabrication shops, automotive museums, automotive auction houses, private vehicle collections, specialty parts fabrication, and classic vehicle maintenance and repair.

Those interested in contributing to a Penn College scholarship – or establishing one – may send a donation to the Penn College Foundation, One College Avenue, Williamsport, PA 17701; visit the Institutional Advancement Office or call toll-free at 866-GIVE-2-PC (866-448-3272).