UTI Foundation Recognizes Robert McNeir with Penske Outstanding Student Award
8/19/2010
PHOENIX, Aug. 19, 2010 – Tired of dead-end jobs, Robert McNeir enrolled at the Rancho Cucamonga Universal Technical Institute (UTI) campus two years ago with high hopes of becoming a diesel technician. His hard work paid off, and UTI Foundation announced today that McNeir, who recently graduated, was selected as a Roger Penske “Outstanding Student” recipients. McNeir will receive a $12,000 cash award to repay education debt or buy tools. Roger Penske donated $100,000 in 2008 to create the outstanding student awards for individuals approaching graduation who have demonstrated excellent academic achievement and are recognized as consummate team-players by fellow students and instructors at Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI). “Receiving the Penske Outstanding Student Award has been icing on the cake,” said McNeir. “Not only did I learn more than I had anticipated, I’m going to start my career with $12,000 that I hope to use for additional diesel training at UTI in January.”
“My hope was to help students like Robert achieve their dreams of becoming diesel technicians,” said Roger Penske, chairman of Penske Corporation. “This award was created to encourage students to do their best, aim higher and be willing to assist others.”
Students who fit the criteria complete the application and gain the endorsement of an instructor are encouraged to self-nominate for the award. UTI is a provider of technical education for individuals pursuing careers as professional automotive, collision repair, diesel, marine or motorcycle technicians.
“This is the second year we have awarded the Penske outstanding student award and UTI students continue to amaze me with their drive and dedication. I am thrilled we are able to provide UTI students with this cash award for their hard work,” said Veronica Meury, vice president and executive director of UTI Foundation.
Additional information is available on the UTI Foundation website at www.utifoundation.net.
About UTI Foundation:
The UTI Foundation, a 501(c)(3) Arizona non-profit, is the umbrella organization for all Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE: UTI) not-for-profit initiatives and is dedicated to raising funds to further its mission and strategic goals. The UTI Foundation supports technical education for the automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle, marine and NASCAR industries through scholarships, grants, career development and other special programs. For more information, visit www.utifoundation.net.