RUCKMAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
Scholarship Committee Meeting 2015
SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING
Meeting Minutes
Saturday, June 20, 2015
The Scholarship Committee met at the Hampton Inn in Lewisburg, WV at 3:00 PM. In attendance were Franklin Ruckman, Vickie Dove, Betty Neal, Robert Henry and Diane DiPaolo.
Franklin opened the meeting with a review of last year’s applicants for the Scholarship Fund. Then he went on to discuss the Edward Jones account. He explained that the fund recently received 501C(3) approval. This would make the donations tax deductible. Another change was to combine the four accounts into one account thus making it a little easier to work with.
Next, Franklin handed out a packet of graphs and information from the Edward Jones account which showed, among other things, the income growth since 2009. He said that the fund has given out a total of $44,000 in scholarships during this time. In considering ways to increase donations, he had two ideas. The first was to send a letter each December reminding everyone to consider donating to the fund. Then, along with the reunion letter/email to be sent each March, those who couldn’t attend would be asked to donate. Also, for those who could attend the reunion, we would encourage them to make hotel reservations at that time. A motion was made and seconded.
The next order of business was to discuss the applicants and awards. We had one new applicant, Benjamin Henry, who was interviewed by the committee. Vickie made a motion and Betty seconded it to give the repeat applicants $500.00 each and the new applicant would receive $1000.00. The awards, which total $4000.00, were given out as follows:
REPEAT APPLICANTS - $500.00 each
Pamela June, Darien June, Robyn Smith, Thomas Henry, Dana Ruckman, Courtney Bond
NEW APPLICANT - $1000.00
Benjamin Henry
The last order of business was the election of officers. Since the only officer whose term is up this year is Betty Neal, a motion was made and seconded to have her continue for another term, until 2018 and she accepted.
The meeting adjourned at 4:50 PM.
Respectfully submitted, Diane DiPaolo (secretary)
Scholarship Committee Meeting 2014
Meeting Minutes –Saturday June 21, 2014
The RUCKMAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION scholarship committee meeting met at the Hampton Inn in Lewisburg, WV at 3 p.m. In attendance were Frank Ruckman, Ruth Neal ex-officio, Mark Neal, Vicki Dove, Betty Neal, Robert Henry, and Diane DiPaolo.
The first order of business was the Edward Jones account in which the scholarship funds are held. Franklin presented a packet of papers which summarized the fund’s performance over a period of time. This included a combination of graphs and charts. A discussion followed about combining funds into one account, and at the same time, getting the best interest rate. Also discussed was whether or not any income produced would warrant actions with the federal government to be sure that all regulations would be met. A motion was made, seconded, and voted upon that Vicki would bring these concerns to our representative at Edward Jones and to make changes on the account as needed.
Next, Vicki presented the most current Edward Jones report to show the monies received and the monies given out for scholarships.
The third order of business was interviewing the new applicants. We interviewed Courtney Bond and Dana Ruckman in person and a third applicant, Thomas Henry, was interviewed on skype. His family was traveling and not able to attend this weekend.
After the interviews, we discussed the repeat applicants which included Pam June, Darien June, and Robyn Smith.
A motion was made, seconded, and voted on unanimously to award a total of $4500 in scholarships to the applicants as follows:
NEW APPLICANTS - $1000 each
REPEAT APPLICANTS - $500 each
Since the only board member’s term to expire next year was Diane’s, a motion was made, seconded, and voted upon for her to continue as secretary for another 3 year term.
The last order of discussion was using skype as an interview method. It was decided that this would be used in extreme or emergency cases.
The meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane DiPaolo,
Secretary
RUCKMAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
Scholarship Committee Meeting 2013
The Scholarship Committee met on Saturday, June 29th at 4:00 in the conference room of the Hampton Inn. In attendance were:
Ruth Neal, Vicki Dove, Frank Ruckman, and Betty Neal. Due to recent surgery, Diane DiPaolo was absent.
The first order of business was to review this year’s scholarship applications. We interviewed one applicant via electronic media. The interview process went smoothly and the committee was very impressed with the applicants.
Repeat Scholarships of $500.00 were awarded to the following recipients-with no stipulations:
Pam June Lindsay June Robyn Smith
Another applicant, Darian June, was approved for repeat $ 500.00 scholarship, “only” upon verification that she will be carrying a minimum of a “full course load”, or at least 12 semester hours during Fall, 2013.
Another applicant was denied a fall 2013 scholarship. However, if the committee receives verification of the applicant carrying at least 12 hours during the Fall, 2013 Semester, AND said student maintains a 2.75 GPA, They will be awarded a $ 250.00 Scholarship for Spring, 2014.
A final applicant was denied a scholarship as they had already earned an undergraduate degree.
Thus, we have the potential of awarding $ 2,250.00 this year.
In the second order of business, Vicki gave us an update on our Edward Jones accounts. Further information will be shared with the Scholarship Committee and the Ruckman Foundation as soon as Edward Jones can supply the final numbers.
Next, we elected two new members to the committee-Bob Henry & Mark Neal. Their terms will run from 2013-2016. Vicky Dove was re-elected as Treasurer through 2016. Betty Neal was re-elected to serve until 2015. Frank Ruckman will serve as Chairman until 2017.
It was noted that through 2012, the Ruckman family has awarded more than $30,700.00 in Scholarship Funds.
It was also noted, that we have been contacting previous winners to find out just what they are doing with their lives. As they send their comments to us, we are posting them on the “RuckmanFamilyHistory.org” website, under “Previous Scholarship Winners”. WE ARE ALL PROUD OF THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS.
Please refer to our “www.RuckmanFamilyHistory.org” website, for updated information.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:30, and we submit these minutes for approval.
RUCKMAN HERITAGE SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE
Revised, June 2013
Frank Ruckman- Chairman Term 2012-2017
2224 Fincher Drive
Westmoreland, TN 37186
Gene Winebrenner -Chairman-Ex-officio
RR 2 Box 278
Lewisburg, WV 24901
Ruth Neal-Chairman-Ex-officio
839 Fairview Avenue
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Robert Ruckman-
President of Ruckman Heritage Foundation, Inc.
1323 Grassy Creek Road
Leivasy, WV 26676
Vicki Dove, Treasurer - Term 2013-2016
156 May Apple Trail
Lewisburg, WV 24901
Betty Neal Term 2012-2015
33 Stayman Way
Littlestown, PA 17340
Diane DiPaolo Term 2011-2014
4802 Vicky Road
Baltimore, MD 21236
Bob Henry Term 2013-2016
3510 Fox Glen Drive
Colleyville, TX 76034
Mark Neal Term 2013-2016
14 Amanda Lane
Biglerville, PA 17307
RUCKMAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
Scholarship Committee Meeting 2012
The Scholarship Committee met on Saturday, June 23rd at 4:00 in the conference room of the Fairfield Inn.
In attendance were:
Gene Winebrenner, Ruth Neal, Vicki Dove, Betty Neal, Franklin Ruckman, and Diane DiPaolo.
The first order of business was an interview of this year’s scholarship applicants. We interviewed four applicants. The interview process went smoothly and the committee was very impressed with the applicants.
A fifth applicant neither showed up for the interview, nor did she have a third reference at the time of this meeting.
Scholarships of $1,000.00 were awarded to the following recipients:
Robyn Smith Darien June
Pam June Lindsay June
Gene impressed upon each of the applicants about “giving back” or donating their time and/or money once they have completed their studies.
In the second order of business, Vicki gave us an update on our Edward Jones accounts.
Next, there were two committee member terms that were up as of this year.
Betty agreed to stay on one more year until we find a replacement, and Gene, because of health concerns, decided to relinquish his role as chairman and stay on as Chairman-Ex-Oficio.
We also discussed unfinished business concerning changes to the by-laws. Franklin, as part of the by-laws committee, presented the changes, and it was voted unanimously to accept them.
A copy of the by-laws, both original and altered, is attached , as well as the current Ruckman Heritage Scholarship Committee, as of the reunion.
The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:30.
Minutes of the Ruckman Heritage Foundation Scholarship Committee Meeting Notes
2011 Scholarship Committee
Gene Winenbrenner gave a report from the scholarship committee, stating that it is not perpetual yet, which means it is not self-sustaining. There were no scholarships awarded this year, as the one application received was not submitted prior to the deadline. Rachel and Rebecca Smith both spoke to their thanks in receiving a Ruckman scholarship and how it benefited their education. Gene also reported that his niece Cheryl Rhodes appreciates her scholarship. The scholarship application can be accessed online at: www.ruckmanfamilyhistory.org. It was recommended that the scholarship committee form a sub-committee to review the by-laws. It was agreed and Frank Ruckman, Gale Ruckman Smith, and Bob Henry were designated as members of the sub-committee. A total of $1320 was deposited into the scholarship fund in 2010, and a total of $945 was collected this year. The list of donations to the scholarship fund was read aloud.
Minutes of the Ruckman Heritage Foundation Scholarship Committee Meeting Notes
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Members in Attendance
Ruth Neal
Vicki Dove
Betty Neal
Gene Winebrenner
Franklin Ruckman
Diane DiPaolo
The meeting was held at the Hampton Inn board room at 5 p.m. and opened by chairperson Gene Winebrenner. The first order of business was a review of the 4 scholarship applications, 3 from previous undergraduate scholarship awardees and 1 from Rebecca Smith who is undergoing to be a graduate student. Since the by-laws state that the awards are giving to undergraduates, Rebecca Smith's application was denied. The other applications were reviewed and accepted. Scholarships of $500 each were awarded to:
Blaine Higby
Sarah Lawrence
Michael Lawrence
The committee thought that it would be important for first time applicants for the scholarship to interview before the committee at the Saturday scholarship committee meeting prior to the reunion. This would give the scholarship committee a chance to get to know the recipients of the scholarship, as well as increase attendance at the reunion. This was left to be brought up before those in attendance at the reunion to be voted on.
Since the scholarship awards this year would amount to $1500, and the checking account that is connected to the scholarships had a balance of $251.52, it was voted on and seconded that we use some of the funds from the Ruckman Heritage Foundation Scholarship Fun CD that will come due on 7/23/10. With respect to the CD, which totals $25,000.62, the committee decided that our Edward Jones representative, Katie Eads, will be contacted to help us decide how to best reinvest the money.
The last order of business was a discussion of several terms of office that were due to be completed this year. IT was decided that these members would stay in office for another term.
The meeting concluded at 6:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane DiPaolo
Scholarship Minutes July 8, 2009
THE RUCKMAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION
Meeting Minutes
The Scholarship Committee meeting for 2009 was held on Saturday, July 4th at 5:25 p.m. at the home of Vicki Dove.
In attendance were: Gene Winebrenner, Ruth Neal, Betty Neal, Vicki Dove, Frank Ruckman, and Diane DiPaolo
The meeting opened with a review of the six scholarship applicants for this year, one applying for the first time, and the rest being repeat applicants. After discussion of last year’s award amounts, a motion was made and seconded. The awards were decided upon as follows:
New applicant - $1000.00
* Sarah Lawrence
Repeat applicants - $500.00 each
* Michael Lawrence
* Blaine Higby
* Rachel Smith
* Rebecca Smith
* Natalie DiPaolo
In the next order of business, Vicki shared the financial records from the Edward Jones account from the past year, during which she stated the financial gains the account had made despite the economy.
The next order of discussion involved the new and improved scholarship application form. All members agreed that it was sufficient. The only change that would be made to this would be in the directions to the scholarship applicants as to how they should apply for a scholarship.
* Repeat applicants need to send in the application form and transcripts/grades.
* New applicants would send the same as above, plus 3 letters of reference.
Vicki shared with the committee the forms from Edward Jones which showed the amount sent to the school for each recipient in 2008. She also brought up for discussion about looking into a CD with the money in the account. It was decided that we would take direction from the consultant at Edward Jones as to the amount of the CD and when to invest.
One of the last items of discussion were the outdated, ambiguous bylaws. It was unclear as to the number of years and terms a committee member is able to serve. Our concern was also that the committee needs to have several experienced members, as well as new members for the meeting to be run efficiently. It was agreed that we need to form new bylaws, but not at this time.
The last of our discussions concerned the Ruckman website. Frank will continue to add new information, as well as adding the minutes from the past scholarship committee meetings.
The meeting was adjourned at approximately one hour later, at 6:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane DiPaolo
Minutes of the Ruckman Heritage Scholarship Foundation Committee Meeting
July 5, 2008
Members in Attendance
Ruth Neal, Vicki Dove, Betty Neal, Gene Winebrenner, Franklin Ruckman, Diane DiPaolo
The meeting was held at Vicki Dove's house at 5:00 p.m.
Chairperson Gene Winebrenner opened the meeting. Information packets were handed out to each member, which included the scholarship applications for the 2008-2009 school year.
Vicki opened a discussion about the Edward Jones account and how future investments will be made. A decision concerning the original Edward Jones account (which was named account #1) was made to invest the minimum amount needed into a 6 month CD. The balance is currently $34,077.00. The remaining money would stay in the money market account. This would then be reinvested as interest rates go up.
Edward Jones account #2 is used to fund the scholarships. The balance of$1,449.06 is not enough to fund the scholarships this year. A motion was made by Gene to use $5,000.00 from account # 1 toward this year's scholarships. Franklin seconded the motion.
The committee also agreed not to count on the 2008 reunion
donations to help fund this year's scholarships.
The committee reviewed the 7 scholarship applications. They were impressed by the applicants as a whole and it was agreed by all to grant scholarships to all of the applicants.
A motion was made and seconded to disperse the funds as follows:
3 new applicants---
Aaron Martin $1,000
Kristina Tenney $1,000
Michael Lawrence $1,000
4 repeat applicants---$ 500.00 each
Rachel Smith
Rebecca Smith
Blaine Higby
Natalie DiPaolo
Vicki made a motion for Diane DiPaolo to renew her 3-year term until 2011. The motion was seconded by Gene after Diane agreed, and a majority vote renewed her term.
There was concern expressed about some of the by-laws. We
agreed to get a copy of the by-laws to each committee member for review. They will be discussed at another meeting.
The remaining item of discussion before the meeting adjourned at 6:20 p.m., was for Gene to speak at the reunion about the need for scholarship funds and also for him to announce the scholarship recipients for the 2008-2009 school year.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane DiPaolo
Scholarship Minutes 2007
June 30, 2007
Minutes of the
Ruckman Heritage Scholarship Foundation Committee Meeting
Members in attendance:
Ruth Neal
Vicki Dove
Betty Neal
Gene Winebrenner
Diane DiPaolo
The meeting was held at the home of Vick Dove at 5:30 p.m. The first motion was made to close out a smaller checking account with First Citizen’s Bank and to open a money market checking account with a higher interest rate. The motion was seconded.
There was a discussion about officers whose term would expire this year. For chairperson, Gene Winebrenner was nominated and seconded, for a three year term until 2010. Vicki Dove will again serve as treasurer until 2010. Ruth Neal, who steps down as chairperson, will stay on the committee until the term ends in 2010.
The scholarship funds were discussed, a motion was made, and it was seconded to disperse the funds as follows:
3 new applicants - Blaine Higbee $1000.00
Rebecca Smith $1000.00
Natalie DiPaolo $1000.00
2 repeat applicants - Rachel Smith $500.00
Erica DiPaolo $500.00
The last item of discussion was for the newly elected chairperson, Gene Winebrenner, to make a request at the reunion for anyone to give a followup on scholarship recipients.
The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.
It was decided after the meeting that Frank Ruckman would become a committee member in place of Ruth Neal, who would like to retire as a committee member.
Respectfully,
Diane DiPaolo
Secretary
Ruckman Reunion Business Meeting Minutes July 2, 2006
President Bob Ruckman called the meeting to order. The minutes were read and approved. Ruth Neal motioned to approve; Linda Winebrenner seconded.
Everyone in attendence introduced themselves and explained their lineage.
The treasurer, Darren Winebrenner, gave the treasurer's report. We have a balance of $160.96 in the account. There "was a service charge of $3.00 which forced us to change to a different bank. Bob Henry motioned to accept and Frank Ruckman seconded. All officers are staying the same as no terms are up. We took up a collection for the general fund which netted $206.00.
The scholarship report was given by Vicki Dove. Scholarships in the amount of $1000.00 were given to Erica DiPaolo and Rachel Smith. A $500.00 scholarship was also given to Scot Halen. Awards were also given to Dickie Cavendish for representing the "oldest person present", Ruby Anne Ruckman for being the youngest person present, Betty Sue Ruckman for traveling the farthest.
Frank Ruckman suggested that we report the total amount of
the checking account and the total amount of tne Edward Jones account (which is the Scholarship account). It was also suggested that it be announced that donations to the Scholarship Fund are tax deductible. $2200.00 was collected for the scholarship fund. Linda Winebrenner reported that a previous scholarship recipient graduated from West Virginia University 2 years previously. She has been awarded her masters degree and is currently working on her doctorate in Audiology. She graduated at the top of her class.
2007 will be the 75th year that the Ruckman Reunion is in attendence!
Door prizes and gifts will be given to those who attend.
Please bring any and all old photographs to share with
others, especially if you need help identifying those in the
picture. We plan to have a professional photographer there.
Now is the time to come if you have missed a few years.
We hope to see all of you there!
Ruckman Heritage Scholarship Foundation July 2, 2005
The Scholarship Committee met at the home of Vicki Ruckman Dove on Saturday evening for the purpose of their annual meeting and selection of scholarship recipients.
Present were Chairman Ruth Neal, Linda Winebrenner, Betty Neal and treasurer Vicki Dove, absent was Robert Ruckman.. Applications had been previously mailed to the entire committee, with ample time for their perusal. The committee was in total agreement to present the following scholarships: Erica DiPaolo $1000.00, Rachel Smith $1000.00, Scott Halen $500.00, and Brandon Tenney $500.00.
All of the applicants except Rachel Smith were repeat recipients.
President of the Ruckman Reunion has always served as ex-officio on the committee, due to the passing of President Skip Neal, a new president will be elected on Sunday and will serve on next year's committee.
Addendum: At the annual gathering on Sunday, July 3rd, election of officers proceeded with Robert Ruckman being elected as President of the clan. Thus he will serve ex-officio on the scholarship committee. Being as he was presently on the committee and cannot serve in both capacities, Diane DiPaolo was chosen to fill his vacancy. Also Gene Winbrenner joined the committee.
RUCKMAN SCHOLARSHIP MINUTES-2004
Vickie Dove gave the Scholarship committee report. She reported the names of those who gave memorials to the Scholarship fund. The Scholarship Fund balance stands at $22,988.47. The 2004 Ruckman Scholarship was awarded to Erica DiPaolo in the amount of $1500. Erica is the daughter of Diane Altizer DiPaolo, granddaughter of Odis Rhodes Altizer, and great-granddaughter of Gertrude Mattie Ruckman Rhodes
RUCKMAN SCHOLARSHIP MINUTES-2003
Vickie Dove reported that the Scholarship Fund has a total of $22,965.12. T-shirts were sold for the scholarship fund making $45. No new scholarship apps. were received. This year, $801.00 was collected for the Scholarship Fund.
The Scholarship committee is composed of Ruth Neal (Chairman),
Vickie Dove,Bob Ruckman, Linda Winebrenner, Betty Neal (replacing Martha Parcher who died), & Skip Neal. Any Ruckman descendent is eligible.
" A Ruckman mind is a terrible thing to waste," it is said.
RUCKMAN SCHOLARSHIP MINUTES-2002
Vickie Dove reported that the Scholarship Fund has a total of $20,396.35, $8969.18 in a savings account and $11,427.17 in a CD.
T-shirts & coffee mugs were sold for the scholarship fund.
No new scholarship apps. were received.
Scott Halen and Brandon Tenney, winners of previous scholarships, were present and thanked the group.
RUCKMAN SCHOLARSHIP MINUTES-2001
Vickie Dove reported that the Scholarship Fund has a total of $14,777.85, $3962.18 in a savings account and $10,815.67 in a mutual fund. T-shirts of $150 also went to the scholarship fund. It was also reported that a portion of the estate of Russell Ruckman (amount undisclosed) went to the scholarship fund.
This was before this year's collection. This year, $2735.00 was collected for the Scholarship Fund, auction of 2 paintings by Gaye Martin for $85, and a USA flag wall hanging by Martha Parcher for $125, making a total balance of $17,722.85, before payment of scholarships for 2001.
The Scholarship committee, composed of Vickie, Ruth, Bob R., Linda, & Martha, granted 2 scholarships---to Andrea Halen for $1000 and to Brandon Tinney for $1500. Bob Ruckman spoke on the scholarship fund and how it works. Any Ruckman descendent is eligible. " A Ruckman mind is a terrible thing to waste."
RUCKMAN SCHOLARSHIP MINUTES-2000
Vickie Dove reported that the Scholarship Fund has a total of $12,809.11.This was before this year's collection. This year, $1095.00 was collected for the Scholarship Fund, making a total balance of $13,904.11, before payment of
scholarships for 2000. The Scholarship committee, composed of Vickie, Ruth, Elizabeth, Linda, & Martha, granted 2 scholarships---to Andrew Miller for $800 and to Brandon Tinney for $1000. The committee appointed Bob Ruckman for a 3-yr. term, replacing Elizabeth Krodel who rotated off the committee. Bob Ruckman spoke on the scholarship fund and the desire to get to the place where the scholarship award will be given out of the interest only. Any Ruckman descendent is eligible.
RUCKMAN SCHOLARSHIP MINUTES-1999
It was reported by Vickie Dove that the Scholarship Fund has a total of $11,749.57. This was before this year's collection and auction. $1425.00 was collected for the Scholarship Fund. The Scholarship committee, composed of Vickie, Ruth (not present), Elizabeth, Linda, & Martha, met Saturday night before the reunion. The committee re-appointed Ruth for another 3 yr. term. Since Linda was Treasurer Of the General Fund and was new on the Scholarship Committee, a new General Fund Treasurer was elected, that being Darren Winebrenner (let's keep it in the family).
Ruckman Scholarship-1994
Ruckman Scholarship-1993