CLAY E BUZZARD SCHOLARSHIP

The Clay E. Buzzard Scholarship was created to honor the distinguished career and contributions that Mr. Buzzard made to the aftermarket industry.  Because Clay was such an advocate for knowledge, professionalism, and integrity, we believe this memorial fund is fitting recognition of his life and career.  

Clay graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and Robert Morris College in 1953.  He went to work in the automotive parts industry, and in 1963 he acquired Middle Atlantic Warehouse, an automotive parts distributor, in Tonawanda, New York.  He served on many boards and received numerous awards, including AWDA’s Automotive Aftermarket “Leader of the Year” award.  He was Chairman Emeritus of the A.W.D.A University Foundation, which is now known as the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.

He entered the U.S. Army in 1943 and served in the 29th Infantry division and was a member of the 175th Battalion that entered France on Omaha beach a few weeks after D.-Day.  He was wounded @ the battle of St. Lo in July 1944.  Clay was honorably discharged in April 1945 and was awarded the Purple Heart and Good Conduct Medal.  He was awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal by the French government for his service in WW II.

Clay lived an extraordinary and exciting life. He maintained a close relationship with many friends and industry leaders during his entire career   Clay’s brilliant spirit, kind heart and high integrity resonated in the business he loved and was felt by every person who worked with him.   He was a kind, passionate, hardworking, and charismatic person who brought people together and gave them the opportunity to succeed in business and in life.  He believed the future of our great industry was tied to encouraging helping young, talented, and determined people to enter the aftermarket.

Applicants for these scholarships should meet these qualifications:

• Planning a career in the Automotive Aftermarket.
• There is no minimum GPA requirement.
• Planning to attend or attending a full-time program at an accredited college or university, or an ASE/NATEF certified post-secondary automotive, collision, or heavy-duty technician training program.
• Some awards are available to employees of automotive companies and their family members, as well.

Four $2,500 awards will be awarded in Clay’s memory annually.