Vets Training as Techs Get Dealership Scholarships

Student aid helps people training in New York for dealership careers.

Steve Finlay, Contributing Editor

August 10, 2016

2 Min Read
With GNYADA Chairman Toomey are from left scholarship recipients Rosario Li Delpeshe Martinez and Zvyagin
With GNYADA Chairman Toomey are (from left) scholarship recipients Rosario, Li, Delpeshe, Martinez and Zvyagin.

Recipients of New York dealer-issued scholarships are five military veterans retraining as auto technicians. They range from a Russian childhood immigrant to a go-getter who wants to own a dealership someday.  

Each received $5,000 scholarships for their training at a Lincoln Technical Institute branch that’s part of the Greater New York Automobile Dealers Assn.’s Center for Automotive Education & Training in Queens. The center opened in 2005 to train people interested in dealership careers.

The scholarship money comes from a record $110,000 raised at a charity golf outing. Long Island dealers who belong to the association, allied members and guests participated in the GNYADA fundraiser at the Old Westbury Golf & Country Club on Long Island. 

“The scholarships help provide deserving students with the tools and skills needed to complete their education and develop long-lasting careers in the retail-automotive industry,” says GNYADA Chairman Nick Toomey. 

He adds: “This year, we are thrilled to recognize five special students who are veterans who have served their country with honor.

The recipients are:

  • Joseph Rosario, a decorated Army veteran who was stationed in Korea. A husband and father, his long-term goal is to become a franchised new-car dealer himself. Scholarship awarders praise his determination, Lincoln Tech performance and his distinguished military service.

  • Yonglie Li spent five years as a multilingual U.S. Army mechanic stationed in Korea. Following his military service, Li enrolled at Lincoln Tech, where he has been a high-performing student. His goal is to become a master technician at a new-car dealership.

  • Chris Delpeshe’s six years with the U.S. Army took him to Iraq, where he was a field artillery specialist. At Lincoln Tech, he has maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA. Instructors praise his professionalism and leadership qualities. Prior to his military service, he spent 17 years as a corrections officer in a federal prison.

  • As a Marine, Jose Martinez’s specialty field was the modification and preventative maintenance of military trucks. At Lincoln Tech, he has a 4.0 GPA and is respected by students and instructors alike as a fierce learner. He also has enrolled in BMW’s STEP program. He aspires to become an A-technician at a dealership.

  • Alexander Zvyagin emigrated to the U.S. from Russia at age nine. He graduated from Villanova University with a major in business administration. He enlisted in the Air Force, working in intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. After his discharge, he worked as a  security consultant and natural-disaster emergency responder (Hurricane Sandy). Last year, he decided to turn his favorite hobby, “working on cars,” into a career.  He has a 4.0 GPA and a 98% attendance record at Lincoln Tech.

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About the Author

Steve Finlay

Contributing Editor

Steve Finlay is a former longtime editor for WardsAuto. He writes about a range of topics including automotive dealers and issues that impact their business.

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