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09 January 2013
OSA Foundation Announces Success of Paul Bonenfant Scholarship Fundraising Campaign
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Lyndsay Meyer
The Optical Society
+1.202.416.1435
lmeyer@osa.org
OSA Foundation Announces Success of Paul Bonenfant Scholarship Fundraising Campaign
WASHINGTON, Jan. 9, 2013– The OSA Foundation (OSAF) today announced the successful completion of the Paul A. Bonenfant Memorial Scholarship fundraising campaign, surpassing the total fundraising goal of $190,000. The need-based scholarship will enable undergraduate students enrolled in engineering or physical science programs to attend semester-abroad programs offered through their college or university.Established in 2011, the scholarship honors the late optical communications expert and Morgan Keegan analyst Paul Bonenfant, a dedicated member of the technical program committee for the Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exposition/National Fiber Optic Engineers Conference (OFC/NFOEC) and speaker at OFC/NFOEC for many years. Bonenfant spent his career in various capacities from engineering to investment banking, and recognized the critical need for international experiences to promote global engagement and collaboration and expand an individual’s total worldview.
The fundraising campaign was bolstered by an anonymous donor who matched donations up to $62,000, as well as a series of 5K runs organized by Kelly Skelton, son of Lightwave magazine staffer Kathleen Skelton, along with telecom marketing agency Pacific Bridge Marketing and OSA Foundation staff.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our industry peers, corporate donors, and individual supporters that have contributed to the success of this campaign,” said Michael Morris, OSA Foundation Board chair. “The Bonenfant Scholarship will allow the next generation of researchers, engineers, and physicists to gain important international experience and connect with industry leaders in the global optics community as they prepare for their professional careers.”
The first scholarship will be awarded at OFC/NFOEC 2013 in Anaheim, Calif. For more information about the Bonenfant Scholarship and to make a secure online donation, visit the OSA Foundation website. Attendees registering for OFC/NFOEC 2013 also have the option of including a donation to the scholarship during the online registration process.
About the OSA Foundation
The OSA Foundation, created in 2002, is dedicated to supporting programs that advance science education, offer career and professional development resources, and recognize technical and business excellence. Contributions to the Foundation, a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, are deductible as provided by law. All donors receive special recognition and acknowledgements, unless they request to be anonymous. Donations to the OSA Foundation are matched dollar-for-dollar by the Optical Society through its donation to the OSA Foundation annual fund, so your gift makes twice the difference. For more information, please visit www.osa-foundation.org, follow us on Facebook or contact the OSA development staff via telephone: 202.416.1434; or e-mail: Foundation@osa.org.
