Delaware Tech grads and Vietnam Era Veterans Dan Tidwell and Dave Tidwell establish $20,000 scholarship

GEORGETOWN — After completing their service with the U.S. Marines in the late 60’s and returning to Delaware, twin brothers Dan Tidwell and Dave Tidwell used their GI Bill benefits to begin their college education at Delaware Technical Community College’s Jack F. Owens Campus. Now they are paying tribute to other student veterans with a $20,000 donation to the College to establish the Tidwell Family Scholarship Endowment.

The scholarship endowment will support the greatest needs of student veterans who, upon completing their service, turn to education to prepare for a new career. The scholarship will be awarded to student veterans enrolled in degree, diploma or certificate programs at the Owens Campus in Georgetown beginning in the spring 2017 semester.

In addition to being graduates of the College’s Business Administration program, Dan is a member of the Owens Campus Development Council. Dave served as a Financial Aid Officer before retiring as program director of the Employment Connections Program following a 20-year tenure with the Owens Campus. In addition, both are advocates for Senate Bill 137 to identify a permanent, long-term capital financing solution for Delaware Tech.

The center will host guest speakers and student Veteran programs such as financial education, tutoring, career workshops and Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) seminars. It also will provide a meeting space for Student Veterans to study, relax and engage with fellow veterans, and for the Veterans Inspiring Progress (VIP) student organization which offers support and networking for the campus veteran community.

“Supporting student veterans is a priority at Delaware Tech and this scholarship will go a long way toward helping them complete their program and start a new career,” said Mark T. Brainard, president of Delaware Tech. “We’re extremely proud of Dan and Dave as alumni that are giving back and very, very grateful for their leadership in raising additional funds for the Owens Campus Veteran Resource Center. Their gift is a tribute to veterans throughout Delaware and will make a significant difference for student veterans for many years to come.”

In addition to establishing the endowed scholarship, the Tidwell brothers are leading the effort to raise $25,000 for a Veteran Resource Center at the Owens Campus. Dave stated, “Student veterans need a place to network with others who have had similar life experiences and receive support to finish their degree. We know there are other veterans who want to give back and we ask them to join us in raising these much-needed funds to support today’s student veterans.”