MIDLAND, MI — Brian Lesiewicz, a senior studying automotive aftermarket management at Northwood University, has been selected as the inaugural recipient of the Harvey Diedrich “Advantage” Scholarship.
A native of Grand Rapids, Mich., Lesiewicz will graduate in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. He has received a variety of other scholarships and awards, including the Northwood University Aftermarket Industry Scholarship, CCITRIAD (now Activant Solutions) Scholarship and Automotive Hall of Fame Scholarship. He was aftermarket chairperson for the university’s International Auto Show and captain of the school’s Team Chevrolet. Following graduation, he hopes to find a position in warehousing and sales management in the Cleveland, Ohio, area.
The Harvey Diedrich “Advantage” Scholarship fund was established in 2003 by friends of the longtime aftermarket executive who created innovative marketing programs for Tenneco Automotive’s Monroe Shocks and Struts and Walker Exhaust product lines. Diedrich died in June 2003.
“Harvey was one of our industry’s most creative and effective marketers and a tireless advocate for automotive parts and service organizations,” said Jay Burkhart, vice president of global marketing for Federal-Mogul. “His friends are proud to honor his memory with this scholarship, and we welcome other industry companies and executives to participate in ensuring the long-term strength of this scholarship fund.”
Diedrich was a longtime marketing executive with Tenneco Automotive in various positions with its Monroe and Walker operations. Among his leading achievements was the creation of the “Walker Advantage” marketing program, which helped make Walker the premier brand of replacement exhaust systems and components. Diedrich also worked for a short time with Federal-Mogul Corporation in Southfield, Mich.
“Northwood University is proud to have the Harvey Diedrich ‘Advantage’ Scholarship as part of its private donor scholarship program,” said Dixie Maxwell, director of the university’s private donor scholarship activities. “This fund was established as a testimonial to Harvey Diedrich’s commitment to marketing professionalism within the aftermarket as well as his lifetime support of others.”
To make a donation to the fund, checks can be made payable to:
“Harvey Diedrich ‘Advantage’ Scholarship” — Northwood University
Attn: Dixie Maxwell
4000 Whiting Drive
Midland, MI 48640-2398
_______________________________________
Click here to view the rest of today’s headlines.
