UTI Foundation Shalene Harris with Penske Outstanding Student Award
8/19/2010
PHOENIX, Aug. 19, 2010 – Being a female in a male-dominated industry doesn’t faze Shalane Harris, the recent Universal Technical Institute (UTI) Exton graduate. She spent nearly two years training to be an auto technician and her goal is to work for Cummins with a focus on power generators. Her dedication to earning solid grades and being a team leader has led Harris to become one of UTI Foundation’s Roger Penske “Outstanding Student” recipients. She 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).
“I’ve been interested in cars since I was in middle-school,” said Harris. “I can’t imagine doing anything else and it’s such a great feeling to be doing what I love. The $12,000 will help me pay for my schooling and also give me the chance to learn more in the Cummins program at UTI.”
“Shalane is a great role model and is always challenging herself. Her determination and hard work will take her far in her career,” said Roger Penske, chairman of Penske Corporation.
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.
“Shalane earned impressive grades, served as a role model to other students and was active in the local community. She is very deserving of this recognition,” 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.