Westfield, Mass –The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts recently announced its award of three Tighe & Bond college scholarships, which honor several of the firm’s former leaders, to three local college students pursuing engineering degrees. Founded in 1991, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers a charitable endowment consisting of approximately 542 separately identified funds, and administers scholarships and loan funds through one centralized application process.
According to David Pinsky, president and chief executive officer of the civil and environmental engineering firm, “Tighe & Bond established our annual scholarships to memorialize the careers and contributions of three former principals and owners of the firm who provided exceptional leadership for more than 40 years. Our goal is help fund higher education for promising young students who are pursuing engineering careers.” He adds, “We can see from the quality of students that the Community Foundation supports that these funds are being administered wisely to recipients who can go on to make the world a better place.”
Tighe & Bond established its first memorial scholarship fund in 1996 to honor past president George H. McDonnell, and in 1999 set up another scholarship to honor past president, Edward J. Bayon. In 2006, the firm established yet another scholarship to honor past president Philip W. Sheridan. This year’s Tighe & Bond scholarship recipients are described below.
Denisha Brown, a 2013 graduate of the Springfield Renaissance School, is the recipient of the Philip W. Sheridan – Tighe & Bond Scholarship that is awarded to graduating seniors from Hampshire or Hampden counties. She plans to attend the Rochester Institute of Technology to study civil engineering. Besides playing basketball, she has been on the cheerleading squad, volunteered at a food bank, and is a member of the National Honor Society.
David Brazeau, a 2013 graduate of Holyoke High School, is the recipient of the Edward J. Bayon Memorial Scholarship that is awarded to graduating Holyoke seniors. He plans to attend the University of Rochester to study engineering. Besides being captain of the wrestling team, he was a member of the varsity cross country team for track and field, and a sound technician for the high school’s musical productions.
Tess Gauthier, a 2013 graduate of South Hadley High School, is the recipient of the George H. McDonnell Scholarship that is awarded to graduating South Hadley seniors. She plans to attend Boston University to study engineering. Besides working for the South Hadley Recreation Department as a summer camp counselor, she is a member of the National Honor Society, and a coordinator for the South Hadley Youth Commission. She was also vice president of the Student Councilor in her senior year, and captain of the varsity softball team.