Thank you very much for awarding me your scholarship. I am always excited when I find people who understand and support my passions. I plan on continuing education in Psychology to the doctoral level, and your scholarship will help me achieve that goal.
Colleen O’Connor

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It is a great honor to receive this scholarship from the Mid-West Fastener Association. Thanks to your generous support in this I will be able to reduce the financial burden on me, save money for school, and pursue more classes.

This scholarship helps in many ways. It will allow me to further pursue the education I need without as much financial help. It also allows me to take a heavier class load without having to work as much to make up the difference. I plan to finish the Tool and Die Making courses this spring at Waukesha County Technical College, and then further my education in Mechanical Design Technologies class to expand my career opportunities.
Once again thank you very much for this generous offer Mid-West Fastener Association, it means an incredible amount to me that I was chosen to receive this.

Thanks you,
Blake Rhoden

The MWFA held their annual Holiday Party/Toys for Tots Collection on December 10th. The fastener industry may have had to withstand a couple of rough years recently but you never would have known it based on their generosity as they donated an abundance of toys as well as over $1600 in cash for toys. Seeing the look of appreciation on the U.S. Marine’s face as he collected the toys was a great reminder of how appreciative the recipients of the toys will be.

XL Screw Corp., Lincolnshire-IL, graciously hosted an Open House on October 22nd. Annually, a MWFA member hosts an Open House inviting members and fastener industry staff. XL’s Open House proved to be another successful program as they hosted over 100 industry friends. While enjoying beverages and dinner, guests were able to tour XL’s facilities as well as network with personnel from many facets of the fastener industry. Thank you XL Screw!

On November 5th the MWFA proudly awarded $17,000 in scholarships. They’ve awarded over $300,000 since the program’s introduction. Thank you to all the donors throughout the year whom made these awards possible.

Ron Kittle, former Chicago White Sox player, was on hand to address the audience. His entertaining stories of his days and experiences as a ball player were most interesting. But his strongest message was his advice to students to not give up on trying accomplishing goals. He reminded the students, as well as everyone else; it may mean taking chances but be willing to take chances to get to reach your goals.

Thank you to our Scholarship Committee: Henry Chernow/MAE Specialties, Glen Brin/Innovative Components and Wayne Wishnew/XL Screw Corp. for all their time, efforts and dedication to this committee.

The MWFA congratulates the following students on receiving scholarships: