The Raymond V. Czerwinski Engineering Memorial Scholarship
The Constance Walker Monroe Liberal Arts Memorial Scholarship 'When Ray went to college, he had to work while attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He knew how difficult it was to earn a living and go to school. Ray ensured that his children would be able to go to college without financial worries, and he did what he could to help other students do so. This is why he encouraged the P.T.A. of the Knickerbocker School in Watertown to create the Jane Gaffney Nursing Memorial Scholarship at Jefferson Community College. 'Education has always been important to us,' said his wife, Elizabeth M. Czerwinski.
Approached by the Jefferson-Lewis Chapter of the New York State Society of Professional Engineers about starting a scholarship in her husband's name, Mrs. Czerwinski wanted it to be established at JCC. Developed in 1984, this award is offered to a second year engineering student who shows financial need and good academic progress.
Raymond V. Czerwinski was born in Lowville on April 10, 1927. In 1945, he graduated from Lowville Academy and joined the Navy During World War II. After his military service, he entered Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and graduated with a bachelor's degree in civil engineering.
During his early career, Ray worked for the Lewis County Highway Department as a junior engineer. He also served as a project engineer for Stebbins Engineering and Manufacturing Company in Watertown. Four years after receiving his professional engineering license in New York, he became a senior engineer for the City of Watertown. In 1961, he joined the Lewis Dickerson and Associates Civil Engineering Firm. Only one year later, he became a partner. The firm was later renamed to Dickerson, Czerwinski, and Warnek.
In 1974, Mr. Czerwinski was appointed Superintendents of Highways. Additionally, he served as president of the Jefferson-Lewis Chapter of the New York State Society of Professional Engineers. Also, he functioned as vice presidents of the New York State Society of Professional Engineers and was elected New York State Director of the National Society of Professional Engineers. He also served as director of Viking Snow Plows in Harrisville and as the chairman of the Ontario District Boy Scouts.
Mr. Czerwinski died Dec. 2, 1982.
The Jefferson Community College Foundation is thankful to Mrs. Czerwinski
and the Jefferson-Lewis Chapter of the New York State Society of Professional
Engineers for providing this scholarship.