The students behind the "Bid for Excellence" Scholarship Auction
40 years, 40 scholarships, 40 dreams fulfilled

 

(Nashua) — What immediately comes to mind when you hear about an elegant and exciting scholarship auction? Black tie, glitzy evening dress, gourmet dining, out-of-this-world auction items?

 

All of this is true for Daniel Webster’s (DWC) well known “Bid for Excellence” Scholarship Auction, but what is more significant is what’s “behind” the auction, the purpose for its being, and the students whose lives are forever impacted by the more than $1million that has been raised over the past seven years through the “Bid for Excellence” Scholarship Auction.

 

For college students everywhere, financial issues are an important component as they plan to start — and continue — their higher education. For DWC Air Management junior Christopher Hastings, of Sterling, Mass., money was the most pressing issue in his decision to attend Daniel Webster.

 

Having already secured a baccalaureate degree in economics from Connecticut College, he decided that he really wanted to become an air traffic controller. “DWC has one of the better ATC programs in the country and was the closest school to my hometown. … I had already spent a lot of money for my first four years of college … Receiving this scholarship allowed me to attend Daniel Webster College.”

 

In addition to being an air traffic controller, Chris’ long-term plans include moving up into FAA management, perhaps internationally.

 

Aviation flight operations junior Eric F. Galliher, of Medfield, Mass., chose not to attend college immediately after high school. At 24 and independent from his parents, making the decision to attend Daniel Webster meant “shouldering enormous financial responsibilities.”

 

“I chose to attend Daniel Webster because of its superior reputation in the aviation industry and because of the integration of the flying practicum with the academic program.” And, he added, “Flying frequently helps keep my goals in perspective.”

 

Eric’s goals include joining the Air National Guard and eventually earning a position with a national carrier or corporate flying program.

 

“Receiving DWC scholarships has allowed me to dedicate more time to academics, rather than working a job during my spare time to make ends meet.” Eric continues to make rapid progress in his major; he’s on track to graduate in December 2006 and currently has a 3.8 GPA.

 

“My flying had been limited to Microsoft Flight Simulator,” he recalled. “Every time I go flying at Daniel Webster, I am amazed that I’m being handed the keys to a real airplane.”

 

And as for the Daniel Webster College experience so far? “Whatever effort you put in is returned ten-fold by a dedicated faculty,” according to Eric. Added Chris, “At Daniel Webster, it’s easy to feel a part of the success of the school.”

 

Daniel Webster College’s “Bid for Excellence” Scholarship Auction on March 4, 2006 is offering one-of-a-kind vacations around the country, luncheons with politicians and authors, and other unique opportunities for which participants can bid. Sponsorships are still available. For more information, visit www.dwc.edu/auction or call 603-577-6622.

 

Daniel Webster College, founded in 1965, educates men and women for professional entry and advanced studies in the fields of aviation, computer science, management, social science and engineering. For more information, visit www.dwc.edu or call 603-577-6000.