Willoughby Rotary Foundation Donates $7000 to the Andy Nowacki Memorial Scholarship Fund

July 18, 2005 - Andy Nowacki was on his second tour of duty in Iraq, when the humvee he was traveling in was hit by a roadside bomb and his life was sacrificed. Andy’s mother, Sheila, and father, Denis, had spoken with their son just 48 hours prior to receiving the news of his death. Andy had called to convey that he was scheduled to return home within four weeks, just in time to celebrate his 25^th birthday.  

As a police officer, with the Grand River Police Department, and as a Marine serving in Iraq, Andy dedicated his life to helping others. His family unequivocally believes that Andy would want others, who share in his love of humanity and public service, to have the opportunity to make a difference in the life of another. In an effort to keep Andy’s memory and spirit alive, a memorial scholarship fund has been established at Lakeland Community College. The scholarship fund will be used to underwrite the cost of tuition for students entering the police academy, criminal justice program, EMT and firefighter programs offered at Lakeland. It is the family’s intention to establish an endowment that will generate sufficient interest to provide scholarship opportunities in perpetuity. 

The Willoughby Rotary Foundation, in recognition of Andy’s sacrifice, has generously agreed to contribute $7,000 to the Andy Nowacki Memorial Scholarship Fund. A formal presentation of the check, to the Nowacki Family, was made on Monday, July 18, 2005, at Gavi’s Restaurant (38257 Glenn Avenue, Willoughby, Ohio). The Willoughby Rotary Foundation and the members of the Willoughby Rotary Club are proud to support Andy’s legacy of helping others.  

The Andy Nowacki Memorial Scholarship Committee has set an ambitious goal to raise over $100,000 for the principal investment in the endowment. This will effectively establish the largest endowment at Lakeland Community College. In order to attain this goal, the committee is in the planning phase of a large scale benefit. Senator Mike DeWine and Congressman Steven LaTourette have offered their support as Honorary Co-Chairs and are diligently working with the committee. 

The precious memories joyfully shared by his family and friends bring Andy to life; a life filled with love, happiness, smiles, courage, kindness, ambition, imagination, creativity, patience, respect, honesty, strong convictions and an undeniable love of country. Andy was never unhappy because he believed there was never anything to be unhappy about. 

Contributions to the scholarship fund may be mailed to The Lakeland Foundation, Lakeland Community College, 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland, Ohio 44094. For more information, call 440.525.7094.  

For additional information on the Willoughby Rotary Foundation, or the Nowacki Memorial Scholarship, please contact Michelle Hauser at (440) 796-6002.