Michigan-based marina and dealer Walstrom Marine has made a $10,000 contribution to the Recreational Boating Industries Educational Foundation to honor Brenda Andrews, a Walstrom employee who passed away earlier this year from Covid-19.
The donation will create an annual named RBIEF scholarship to honor her memory.
“Brenda was a phenomenal employee at Walstrom Marine. She was passionate about the industry and grew to love boating, having recently purchased her first boat,” said Walstrom president Tom Ervin in a statement. “Walstrom Marine is honored to contribute to the future of the industry in Brenda’s name through RBIEF.”
The Michigan Boating Industries Association founded the annual scholarship fund in 1986 as an effort to bolster the state’s marine industry. Over the last 35 years, the RBIEF scholarship has awarded more than $391,000 to recipients.
Andrews, a 2019 recipient, earned her degree in accounting with help from the scholarship.
“On behalf of the RBIEF board, we thank Walstrom Marine for their generous contribution. We’re happy to honor Brenda’s legacy and contribute to the education of marine professionals to better the entire industry,” said MBIA director Nicki Polan.
