On April 25, prior to CAFM graduation recognition events, Ryan Meppelink of Ferris State University was awarded the NAFA Foundation's 2018 Willard DaSilva Student Scholarship. On April 25, prior to CAFM graduation recognition events, Ryan Meppelink of Ferris State University was awarded the NAFA Foundation's 2018 Willard DaSilva Student Scholarship.
The $3,000 scholarship was created to honor outstanding academic achievements of an individual enrolled in the automotive or fleet program of a NAFA partner university.
NAFA Foundation President Claude Masters, CAFM said, "Ryan is working towards a bachelors in Heavy Equipment Service Engineering Technology with a minor in Fleet Management, and intends to work his way up to fleet manager or maintenance manager."
Meppelink holds six ASE certifications, and is currently working on the T5 test to become master-certified.
Meppelink said of his being awarded the scholarship, "It's incredible to see the support of everybody in this industry for people like myself coming in, fresh out of high school and into college."
Inontime, Inc. hired Meppelink in 2014 when he was 16 years old, a high school junior at Zeeland High School, Zeeland, Mi., and student at Careerline Tech Center.
The Scholarship was named in honor of NAFA’s long-time legal counsel, Willard H. DaSilva, and the recipient was determined by the NAFA Foundation.
The NAFA Foundation is honored to assist Ryan on his way to becoming an exemplary fleet professional.
Congratulations, Ryan Meppelink! NAFA is proud of you!