Pecheles Automotive Group sponsors ECU HHP’s Winner’s Circle Breakfast for 15th Year
Anna Horzempa, a scholarship recipient, delivers a thank you speech at the Pecheles Automotive Group scholarship breakfast. (Photos by Rob Taylor)
Anna Horzempa could not continue her education at East Carolina University without financial support from scholarships.
“Anyone can face circumstances that may change their financial need,” Horzempa told the audience at the Pecheles Automotive Group scholarship breakfast on April 12 at Rock Springs Center. “Recently, my family has faced a drastic change in finances, which has impacted my ability to reach my goals.”
The sophomore U.S. Air Force ROTC cadet is receiving $6,000 from the Archie Burnette Family Air Force ROTC and the Michael L. Bunting scholarships.
“I was awestruck by the sense of community that was created by the College of Health and Human Performance and their generous scholarship donors,” Horzempa said.
Horzempa was one of the student speakers at the scholarship breakfast, which has been sponsored by Pecheles for 15 consecutive years.
Dr. Anisa Zvonkovic, dean of the College of Health and Human Performance, presents a plaque to Brian Pecheles, president of Pecheles Automotive Group.
“We are grateful for the continued generosity of the Pecheles Automotive Group,” said Anisa Zvonkovic, dean of the College of Health and Human Performance. Jharnell Cofield, an undergraduate student majoring in social work, also spoke at the event.
The automotive group, with dealerships in Greenville, Washington and New Bern, also sponsors an annually funded scholarship in HHP.
“We receive many opportunities to partner with organizations in our community,” said President Brian Pecheles. “This event, however, is one of the most special. We feel honored to be asked to work with such a hard-working group of people. Every year, we continue to be amazed and inspired by these students, who work so hard and are so deserving of this honor.”
Alumnus Vonta Leech congratulates the recipient of the Vonta Leach Scholarship, Anna Hobbs. Dr. Sharon Ballard, chair of the Department of Human Development and Family Science, and Dean Anisa Zvonkovic presented certificates to students.
Zvonkovic expressed gratitude to those who open doors for students. “In honor of our theme for the occasion, giving and gratitude, the aim of this event is to establish personal relationships, which goes beyond a text or thank you letter. This event is the perfect way to say thank you,” Zvonkovic said.
More than 125 scholarships totaling $190,000 were presented and granted to students for the 2019-2020 academic year, which is a 33% increase from last year.
-by Kathy Muse, College of Health and Human Performance