TROY, Mich.—Dayco Products L.L.C. has established the Ed Rammel Memorial Scholarship Fund through the University of the Aftermarket Foundation.
The scholarship fund is funded by Dayco in memory of the firm's late president of the North American and Australian Aftermarket.
Rammel passed away on Sept. 26 at the age of 61 after a two-year battle with cancer.
He started his career with Dayton Tire and Rubber Co. in 1975 and had more than 35 years of experience in the automotive aftermarket.
Rammel joined Dayco in 1985 as an associate in the firm's finance department and in 1989 transferred to the marketing department. In 1995 he was named vice president of marketing, and in 2011 he became the president of the North American and Australian aftermarket, a position he held until he died.
“Ed had a positive impact on the entire automotive aftermarket and had a great balance of intensity, intelligence and humor with a deep love for all the people he touched during his time with us,” said Dayco CEO John Bohenick. “The scholarship is a fitting tribute to Ed and his many contributions to Dayco and the automotive aftermarket.”
During his time in the industry, Rammel was active in trade associations, served on several committees, and was on the board of trustees for the University of the Aftermarket Foundation and chairman of the education committee.
Companies such as Dayco work with the foundation to make the scholarships available for students, a company spokesman said. “Since 1986, the University of the Aftermarket Foundation has funded millions of dollars of scholarships, grants, research and ongoing educational programs to help develop a strong, knowledgeable aftermarket work force.”
He said the foundation encourages industry support, including donations, to honor or memorialize individuals or special events to help ensure the continued availability of training and education that strengthen the industry.
In 2016, the foundation and its donors will award more than $200,000 in scholarships, the spokesman said.
The foundation will accept additional donations for the Ed Rammel Memorial Scholarship Fund. For information, contact Barbara Cunningham, University of the Aftermarket Foundation at [email protected].
While Dayco encouraged all students to apply for a scholarship, first priority will be given to those pursuing a career in the automotive aftermarket and second priority will be for sons and daughters of industry families.
More information on scholarship eligibility requirements can be found at the website automotivescholarships.com/Rammel.