ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Affinia Group Inc. has established a memorial scholarship fund through the University of the Aftermarket Foundation in memory of Larry W. McCurdy, a long-time leader in the industry and Chairman of the Affinia Board of Directors beginning with the company’s inception in 2004.
Affinia Group has initiated the fund with a contribution of $50,000 and pledged an additional $50,000 matching contribution for others who would like to honor McCurdy’s distinguished career and numerous contributions to the aftermarket.
"Larry served as a mentor to so many people throughout his long career and truly inspired new generations of young talent," said Affinia President and CEO Terry R. McCormack. "Because Larry was such an advocate for knowledge, professionalism and integrity within the aftermarket, we believe this memorial fund is fitting recognition for his life and career."
The University of the Aftermarket Foundation supports the continued development and distribution of courses in aftermarket studies in ever-broadening areas. By supporting academic offerings, the Foundation and its donors help to ensure that professionals within the industry have the expertise needed to address an increasingly complex field on a global basis.
Throughout his career, McCurdy was active in advancing the industry through numerous trade organizations as Chairman of the Board of MEMA and a recipient of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation’s prestigious Leader of the Year Award.
McCurdy served as Chairman of the Board, president and CEO of Echlin Inc. from March 1997 until its merger with Dana in 1998. After the merger, he served as president of the Aftermarket Group at Dana Corp. until his retirement in 2000. He joined the Affinia Group board upon its founding in December 2004 and served in this role until his death on Aug. 3 at age 75.
McCurdy also held senior executive positions at Cooper Industries, Inc. and Moog Automotive Inc., where he was president and CEO, and with Tenneco Inc., where he was president of its Walker Manufacturing subsidiary and executive vice president of North American Operations. McCurdy also served on the Board of Directors of Lear Corp., Mohawk Industries, Inc. and General Parts, Inc.
To make a donation to the Larry McCurdy Memorial Scholarship Fund, send checks payable to the University of the Aftermarket Foundation to: Susan Medick, AAIA, 7101 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1300, Bethesda, MD 20814. Please note on your check that the donation is for the "Larry McCurdy Memorial Scholarship Fund."
For additional information, contact Barbara Cunningham, administrator, University of the Aftermarket Foundation, at [email protected].
