West Deptford, N.J., native Michael MacAdams has been awarded the Roger Penske Outstanding Student Award by the Universal Technical Institute Foundation. The award grants $12,000 in scholarship funding to one exceptional Universal Technology Institute (UTI) graduate who has completed the Auto or Diesel curriculum and is pursuing advanced training for a career in the diesel industry.
Students honored with the award must display high academic achievement and a record as a team player, and support the success of fellow students.
MacAdams graduated from Universal Technology Institute-Exton in September, where he earned a diploma in Diesel & Industrial Technology. He will use the scholarship funds to continue his education at UTI-Avondale in Arizona, where he will complete a three-month Cummins Power Generation advanced training program.
MacAdams has been an active member of the UTI-Exton community by serving on the Student Council and participating in a number of extracurricular activities, including the UTI Wing Bowl, UTI Bake Sale, UTI Food Drive and the 608 Training Class
At just 8 years old, his uncle showed him how to pull a drive shaft out of a truck and he’s been passionate about the automotive and diesel industries ever since. He decided to pursue his dream career by enrolling in Universal Technical Institute-Exton’s Diesel & Industrial Technology program in September 2014. He recently participated in the New Jersey SkillsUSA competition for Diesel Equipment Technology, and earned the opportunity to compete at the national level.
While at UTI-Exton, MacAdams received 10 Director’s List and six Student of the Course awards. Despite a one-hour commute to school, he was determined never to be late to class and subsidized the cost of transportation by driving other students.
“Michael is a stellar example of what a Roger Penske Outstanding Student should be,” said Jennifer Maher, vice president and executive director of the Universal Technical Institute Foundation. “His commitment to academic excellence and his campus community are inspiring.”
With the start of the program at UTI-Avondale right around the corner, MacAdams recognizes that this coursework along with his prior training will help him when seeking a job in the diesel field.
“I know that I have the best names backing me and that Exton has great partnerships,” said MacAdams. “Universal Technical Institute has strong affiliations with the top names in the industry, which I can use to further my career. This grant from the UTI Foundation will really help me complete my education.”
About Universal Technical Institute Foundation
A 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Universal Technical Institute Foundation encourages and supports students pursuing post-secondary technical education and careers in the transportation industry. The Foundation distributes more than $1 million in scholarships and grants annually, thanks to its generous corporate sponsors and donors. For more information, visit www.utifoundation.net.
