Aavid establishes engineering scholarship in memory of Fred Payne

LACONIA — Aavid Thermalloy has partnered with the Lakes Region Scholarship Foundation to honor the memory of Fred Payne by helping a local student seeking higher education within the engineering field. Payne, who passed away on October 4, had worked at Aavid for 40 years. Among his many skills, he was a master tool maker, designing hundreds of Aavid's tools here in Laconia.

"But, he is also being honored as an exemplary husband, father and grandfather, a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam conflict, devoted to his church, and dedicated to youngsters through scouting, robotics and other youth activities," said Kelly Brough, senior manufacturing engineer at Aavid.

Brough said Aavid is a values-based company, which has been successfully delivering engineering excellence since 1964 when it was founded and has consistently outperformed its industry peers supporting sustainability. "One of Aavid's seven core values is 'Making a Difference', effecting positive change while supporting our local communities," said Brough. "We are proud that the company and its employees tangibly demonstrate their commitment through personal involvement in many worthwhile community programs, such as Hands Across the Table, Giving Girls, St Vincent Depau'ls, and the Carey House."

Lakes Region Scholarship Executive Director Joan Cormier expressed her appreciation to Aavid and encouraged engineering students to apply using the foundation's standard application, which will be available in January at www.lrscholarship.org or by contacting the LRSF office at 527-3533 or scholarship@metrocast.net. The deadline in 2016 will be April 1.