PHOENIX - UTI Foundation announced today that three Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) students have been awarded Merlyn Plumlee Memorial Scholarships. Eric Leski of Tampa, Fla., Steve Quillen of Montesano, Wash. and Nicholas Reid of Brunswick, Md. will continue legendary crew chief Merlyn Plumlee’s passion for motorcycles and racing, using Plumlee scholarships to pursue technical careers at MMI in Phoenix, Ariz. and Orlando, Fla.
The Merlyn Plumlee Memorial Scholarship was established by Plumlee’s family, friends and the motorcycle industry, together with the UTI Foundation, to give deserving students the ability to study at MMI. Students were chosen, in part, for their ability to carry on Plumlee’s philosophy of generosity, fairness and love for the sport of motorcycle racing. Plumlee, who passed away in October, 2007, was well-known as one of the top crew chiefs in the United States, representing some of the most prominent racers in the history of the sport.
Plumlee is survived by his wife Marta, whose work on the scholarship program is a tribute to her husband. She serves on the scholarship selection committee and continues to represent her husband’s passion for the sport and industry. “Merlyn was always willing to offer his expertise and support to racers and technicians at all levels, including privateers and those on competing teams,” said Mrs. Plumlee. “He treated everyone with respect and was a mentor to all. He believed everyone should be given the opportunity to achieve their dreams and goals. Merlyn’s scholarships are intended to help support the next generation of top motorcycle technicians and pave the way for men and women of similar character to thrive in the sport that he loved so much.”
"Merlyn Plumlee was a remarkable man dedicated to helping others,” said Veronica Meury, vicepresident and executive director of UTI Foundation. “We are thrilled to be associated with Mrs. Plumlee and the Merlyn Plumlee Memorial Scholarship Program and announce the three scholarship winners. Programs like this will help deserving students, who might not have had a chance otherwise, follow their motorcycle dream.”
New and existing MMI students meeting all admissions criteria were invited to submit an application and short essay describing how they share Plumlee’s passion for the motorcycle industry as well as how the scholarship would enable them to complete their education. The $3000 grant-in-aid scholarship money is applied to the student’s tuition, prorated over the entire term of the student’s education program.
MMI is a division of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. and offers both hands-on training and classroom projects. Students gain a solid understanding of motorcycle mechanics, technology and practical knowledge of each motorcycle system including engines, suspensions, chassis, electrical and transmissions. Students who qualify and are accepted also have the opportunity to customize their careers with manufacturer-sponsored advanced training. MMI is endorsed and/or supported and equipped by BMW, Harley-Davidson®, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Yamaha.
For complete details on the criteria, process and rules for the Merlyn Plumlee Memorial Scholarship, or to contribute to the scholarship fund, visit the UTI Foundation website or go to the UTI Foundation link on the UTI corporation site.
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.
About Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI):
Motorcycle Mechanics Institute (MMI) is a division of Universal Technical Institute, Inc. (NYSE:UTI), a leading provider of technical education training for students seeking careers as professional automotive, collision repair, diesel, marine and motorcycle technicians. With campuses located in Phoenix, Ariz. and Orlando, Fla., MMI is supported and equipped by all six major motorcycle manufacturers – American Honda, American Suzuki, BMW, Harley-Davidson Motor Co., Kawasaki Motors Corp., USA and Yamaha Motor Corp.USA. Universal Technical Institute, Inc. also offers specialized technical education programs at eight other campuses across the country through several well-known brands – Universal Technical Institute (UTI), Marine Mechanics Institute (MMI) and NASCAR Technical Institute (NASCAR Tech). For more information, see www.uti.edu.
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