The MELMAC Education Foundation Names Scholarship Program to Honor Richard W. Tyler, Former Executive Director of the Maine Principals’ Association and Board Member of the Foundation
MELMAC Richard W. Tyler Principals Scholarship…Supporting Early Success in College provides a $1,000 scholarship annually to a student from each Maine high school, credited to the third semester of college study
Article published August 1, 2005
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wendy L. Ault, Executive Director
“This spring the Foundation experienced a tremendous loss. Dick Tyler, long-time Executive Director of the Maine Principals’ Association and MELMAC Education Foundation Board Member, passed away on April 11, 2005. At their May meeting, the Board unanimously voted to change the name of this scholarship to honor our friend and fellow Board Member. It is now called The MELMAC Richard W. Tyler Principals Scholarship…Supporting Early Success in College," stated Wendy L. Ault, the Foundation's Executive Director. “Dick Tyler’s impact on Maine students and the MELMAC Education Foundation will be felt for decades. Renaming this scholarship program recognizes his devotion to improving educational opportunities for all Maine students.”
- has been accepted to college;
- faces significant challenges and obstacles in the pursuit of higher education;
- demonstrates exceptional financial need;
- makes a difference in the lives of others and that of his/her community and is a solid school citizen;
- has made a positive contribution to the school environment and/or extra-curricular activities;
- exhibits a commitment to public service;
- has the potential to make a difference in the world; and
- demonstrates satisfactory academic progress in college.
The scholarship program is the oldest initiative of the MELMAC Education Foundation beginning in 2001, the same year as the Foundation’s incorporation. Since 2001, this scholarship has made a substantial impact on Maine students:Since January 2001, the MELMAC Education Foundation has committed approximately $5.6 million in grants and scholarships. The Foundation also administered the Financial Aid Enhancement Grant Program in 2001 and 2002, targeting grants to Maine’s post-secondary institutions’ financial aid offices to enhance and improve the delivery of financial aid. In 2003, the Foundation announced the Connect Aspirations to a Plan initiative providing grants to Maine high schools and communities to support more students going to college. In 2005, the Foundation announced the Support Early Success in College initiative providing grants to Maine colleges to support more students persisting in college and attaining a degree. Later this month, the Foundation will announce the 2005 round of Connect Aspirations to a Plan grants.The MELMAC Education Foundation is located in Augusta and has assets of approximately $30 million. Wendy L. Ault serves as Executive Director. For more information, visit the Foundation's website at www.MELMACFoundation.org.