Dayco has initiated the fund with a contribution of $5,000 for scholarships designated for students pursuing careers as automotive technicians.
“Don was well-liked and respected both within Dayco and throughout the automotive aftermarket,” said Ed Rammel, president, Dayco North American Aftermarket. “This scholarship is a fitting remembrance of him and his many contributions to this industry.”
A native of Berwick, Nova Scotia, Bethune started his career at the Royal Bank of Canada but soon joined the automotive industry. His leadership abilities earned him positions as president of AP Parts Canadian division, Exide Canada Inc. and Dayco Canada. In 1979, he relocated to Dayton, Ohio to assume the role of president, Dayco Automotive Aftermarket Co. Upon the retirement of Don Ross in 1989, Bethune was promoted to president of Dayco’s entire business. He retired in 1993 at the age of 56.
During his career, Bethune held the position of chairman of the Automotive Industries Association (AIA), was involved with the Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA) and received multiple accolades for his distinguished service and contributions to the automotive industry.
Donations can be made to the scholarship by sending checks payable to the Donald G. Bethune Memorial Scholarship Fund to Susan Medick, AAIA, 7101 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1300, Bethesda, MD 20814.
The following foundations and organizations also collaborate with GAAS to award scholarships:
- Automotive Communication Council
- Breslow Foundation
- Gates Corporation
- Larry McCurdy Memorial Fund
- Leadership Development Network
- Michael Busch Memorial Fund
- Mitchell 1
- Multi Parts Supply
- Polk
- Standard Motor Products
- Stant Corporation
- Women’s Car Care Council (WB)
Additional scholarship funding comes from industry contributions provided by individuals, companies and foundations. Contributions can be made to the GAAS Scholarship Fund, c/o Susan Medick at AAIA, at 301-654-6664, or susan.medick@after market.org.
The GAAS program is a joint professional education effort of the of the Alliance of State Automotive Aftermarket Associations (ASAAA), Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), Automotive Industries Association (AIA) of Canada, Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA), Automotive Service Association (ASA), Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), Motorist Assurance Program (MAP), Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Tire Industry Association (TIA) and University of the Aftermarket. Polk is the corporate sponsor of the Global Automotive Aftermarket Symposium. The event is made possible through the generous support of the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.
