FAIRFAX, VA — InfoComm International’s foundation, the International Communications Industries Foundation (ICIF), has dedicated a new education fund to the memory of Michael Vergauwen, the COO of AVI Systems and officer of InfoComm International, who died in an accident on June 28. “Michael’s dedication to the industry and to its members serves as a role model for all InfoComm members,” said Randal A. Lemke, Ph.D., executive director, InfoComm International. “This fund recognizes his dedicated service and will help more people participate in the AV communications industry.”
The Michael Vergauwen Education Fund will foster educational opportunities, enhancing the audiovisual industry’s service to the public through scholarships, curriculum development, community engagement and the promotion of careers in the AV field.
Proceeds from investing the fund will be used on an annual basis to create these new educational opportunities, while the balance will be maintained to continue to make investments in the industry on an ongoing basis.
The fund has set an initial target of $100,000. “Da-Lite Screen Company has graciously directed the ICIF to put their recent $25,000 NEC Best of InfoComm Award prize and their $25,000 matching donation towards the Michael Vergauwen Education Fund,” said Lemke. “InfoComm has also set aside $25,000 to match additional donations. It is our sincere hope that the AV industry will be as generous as it can to help continue the legacy of Michael Vergauwen.”
Companies and individuals wishing to contribute to this fund should send donations to: Michael Vergauwen Education Fund, ICIF, 11242 Waples Mill Road, Suite 200, Fairfax, VA 22030. Checks should be made payable to the International Communications Industries Foundation. InfoComm said that donations will be tax deductible as provided by Section 501(c)(3) of the United States International Revenue Code.
For additional information, please visit www.infocomm.org.
