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Northwood University Honors Dealer Education Awardees

February 4, 2020
A row of seven men in formal attire. Presented by Northwood University.

Northwood University announced its Dealer Education Award recipients, to be awarded at the National Automobile Dealers Association Annual Convention on February 16, 2020.

Annually, Northwood recognizes exceptional owners and dealer principals in the automotive industry who have made noteworthy contributions to education and to their communities.

“Northwood University has had the distinct honor of recognizing dealers from around the world with the Dealer Education Award since 1972,” said Kent MacDonald, President of Northwood. “We are proud of this newest class of influential honorees, and believe this year’s recipients are excellent role models for our students, tomorrow’s automotive industry leaders.”

The 2020 honorees include:

  • Dennis M. Ellmer, President and CEO of Priority Automotive, Chesapeake, VA

  • Robert H. Fogarty, Jr., Vice President and General Manager of Sport Automotive, Silver Spring, MD

  • Larry C. Morgan, Chairman and CEO of Morgan Auto Group, Tampa, FL

  • Thomas L. Szott, President of Szott Auto Group, White Lake, MI

  • David C. Waikem, Dealer Principal of Waikem Auto Family, Massillon, OH

  • Aaron S. Wallace, Owner of Schomp Automotive Group, Highlands Ranch, CO

  • Jeffrey S. Williams, Vice President of Williams AutoWorld, Lansing, MI

Northwood offers two distinct automotive business majors for students seeking careers in progressive and innovative automotive industries. These include automotive marketing and management and aftermarket management. Waikem and Wallace are also proud alumni of the automotive marketing and management program at Northwood University.

“This award is about dedication to education and professional development in the industry, and we can think of no better way to provide that example to our students,” said Elgie Bright, Associate Professor and Chair of the Northwood automotive marketing and management program. “Students will gain hands-on experience and exposure to some of the most successful dealers in the industry, while networking and exploring internships and career opportunities as they attend the NADA Conference.”

The annual awards are presented at a breakfast at the NADA Convention on Sunday, February 16 at 8:00 a.m. at the Wynn Las Vegas Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. Northwood students enrolled in the automotive marketing and management program will present the awards to the honorees

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