The first Michael Vergauwen Education Fund Scholarship has been awarded to Dawn E.B. Meade, CTS, of Advanced Video Systems.
The fund was established by ICIF, the foundation of InfoComm International, in memory of Vergauwen’s achievements in the AV industry. Vergauwen was a member of InfoComm’s Board of Directors when he died suddenly in a tragic boating incident in the summer of 2009.
Meade is the director of marketing and A/V sales and owner at Advanced Video Systems in Maryland, USA. Fusing her marketing and creative backgrounds, Meade began her AV career designing fliers and basic websites at Advanced Video Systems. After attending her first InfoComm Show, Meade pursued industry education courses and certifications. She writes about AV both online and for print publications. Meade is a strong supporter of AV Week and is a member of the InfoComm PETC Outreach Committee and FAVE. She is pursuing a Master of Science degree in Technology Management and an MBA from University of Maryland.
The Michael Vergauwen Education Fund fosters educational opportunities in an effort to enhance the audiovisual industry's service to the public through scholarships, curriculum development, community engagement and the promotion of careers in the AV field.
"ICIF congratulates Dawn Meade on her many accomplishments and is pleased to offer her the first Michael Vergauwen Education Fund Scholarship," said Duffy Wilbert, CTS, CAE, senior vice president, Membership, InfoComm International. " InfoComm also thanks Da-Lite for its continued financial support of the Michael Vergauwen Education Fund." At InfoComm 2010, Da-Lite presented a check for $10,000 (€8,000) to further the development of the programme.
Companies and individuals wishing to contribute to the fund should send donations to: Michael Vergauwen Education Fund, ICIF, 11242 Waples Mill Road, Suite 200, Fairfax, VA 22030. Checks should be made payable to the International Communications Industries Foundation.