DALLAS — In support of United States veterans in the state of Texas, ATI Enterprises Inc., a group of career training centers, has announced the new Larry Gilbert/VFW Memorial Scholarship. In memory of Gilbert, who passed away in June 2008, ATI will award up to 16 scholarships — two at each of the eight current Texas ATI Enterprises campuses — to veterans in collaboration with the Veterans of Foreign Wars and the Texas Veterans Leadership Program of the Texas Workforce Commission. Each scholarship will provide a veteran with 12 months to three years of career training at ATI in a variety of fields, including HVAC.

“Larry Gilbert was loved by everyone at ATI, in the community and by state and federal government officials, as he lived a committed and exemplary life, combining his great love for the Marines with his passion for education. We want to honor him by thanking our veterans for their service and sacrifices,” said Arthur E. Benjamin, vice chairman and CEO of ATI Enterprises. “This dear friend to our students, elder statesman, patriot, and true gentleman embodied everything that ATI stands for — a passion for education, kindness, and courage. We are proud to honor him, and we encourage other career training campuses to offer similar programs to help veterans succeed in rewarding careers they love and help them provide for their families. God Bless and Semper Fi, dear friend.”

Applications are available through Oct. 31 at www.ATI4Veterans.com and must be submitted no later than Oct. 31. The selection process will be conducted between Nov. 1 and 15. Successful candidates will be notified by Nov. 25.

The late Larry Gilbert combined his love for the Marines with his love of teaching others. He held numerous positions at ATI Enterprises over 30 years, including corporate coordinator of support services.

Scholarships are available at each of the following Texas campuses: ATI Technical Institute, Dallas; ATI Career Training Center, North Richland Hills; ATI Career Training Center, Dallas; ATI Career Training Center, Richardson; ATI Career Training Center, Garland; South Texas Vocational Technical Institute, Brownsville; South Texas Vocational Technical Institute, McAllen; and South Texas Vocational Technical Institute, Weslaco.

For more information, visit www.ATI4Veterans.com.

Publication date: 09/01/2008