AFA Begins Scholarship Fund Replenishment Effort

West Lafayette, IN - A major effort to establish a $500,000 endowed scholarship fund has begun so that each of 10 annual scholarships will be permanently endowed. At the Academy of Dispensing Audiologists Convention in October, AFA Alliance Campaign 2000 Co-Chair Henry Hecker announced the campaign. He challenged audiologists to form coalitions to endow a scholarship. "The ADA has formed a coalition and seeks member contributions," according to Bob Manning, AuD, ADA's President.

"A coalition could be formed by a regional or state audiology group, or perhaps a group of AuD alumni, to fund a scholarship," according to Co-Chair Richard Burba. "Permanently endowing this scholarship fund means making an investment now for the future. The interest earned will provide the needed income to provide scholarships." The AFA is also seeking funds from Industry sources that want to demonstrate their support for AuD students in residential programs by providing a named scholarship.

Mike Jones, President of Phonak, challenges hearing industry firms to be partners with audiologists and contribute to the effort to create a permanent endowment. Jones has already pledged a generous matching contribution from Phonak.

The AFA will promote a campaign to audiologists in 2001, requesting their support for the project. Hearing industry leaders have received materials seeking their charitable donations to permanently endow the fund for the future. Sponsors receive a named fellowship and often develop a working relationship with the students, who may visit the facilities and are mentored by the sponsoring companies. The sponsor provides training opportunities for the future Doctors of Audiology by investing in each student. Hearing care consumers receive access to better care.

The Audiology Foundation of America (AFA) has awarded Alliance Fellowships of $2500 each to fulltime residential Au.D. degree students since 1993-4. The scholarships have supported 68 different Au.D. students from the Fund's inception in 1993-94 through the 2000-01 school year. Approximately $400,000 has been awarded to students via this program.

Tax-deductible contributions may be sent to the Alliance Fund, Audiology Foundation of America, 207 North Street, Suite 103, W. Lafayette, IN 47906.