First Recipients Announced of Annual Scholarships Honoring the Late Jeremy Denton, AASA OAC Executive Director

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C.  – The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA), and the AASA Overseas Automotive Council (OAC) announced the first recipients of its scholarships in memory of the late Jeremy Denton, AASA vice president and OAC executive director, who died Nov. 5, 2013.

• Audrey Ivie of Ogden, Utah, who is planning to attend Snow College in Ephraim, Utah, to pursue a degree in automotive technology
• Darron Newson of Calera, Ala., a former member of the U.S. Marine Corps who is pursuing his degree as a technician at Lawson State Community College, Birmingham, Ala.

The OAC Board of Directors initiated the memorial fund through the University of the Aftermarket Foundation in November 2014. Each year, $1,000 annual scholarships will be presented to one male and one female student pursuing careers in the automotive aftermarket industry.

“We are pleased to assist these outstanding students as they pursue their education and their aftermarket careers,” said Bill Long, AASA president and chief operating officer. “The scholarships are an investment in our industry and a lasting tribute to Jeremy’s passion for the aftermarket and his boundless enthusiasm for its future.”

Denton joined MEMA in 2005 as director, programs and member services, and OAC executive director. In addition, he directed the activities of the Filter Manufacturers Council (FMC) and the Brake Manufacturers Council (BMC), and also served as staff executive of the AASA China Aftermarket Forum (CAF). In 2010, Denton was promoted to AASA vice president, programs and member services. His responsibilities included membership recruitment and retention, event planning, sponsorships and affiliate development, in addition to his continuing roles with the OAC, FMC, BMC and CAF. He died in 2013 at age 36 after a valiant, two-year battle with cancer. 

Donations can be made to by sending checks payable to:
The Jeremy Denton Memorial Scholarship Fund
c/o Susan Medick
The Auto Care Association, 7101 Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 1300
Bethesda, MD 20814

About AASA

AASA (www.aftermarketsuppliers.org) exclusively serves manufacturers of aftermarket components, tools and equipment, and related products which support 710,000 employees in the United States. AASA is a recognized industry change agent – promoting a collaborative industry environment, providing a forum to address issues and serving as a valued resource for members. AASA is the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA). “AASA, The Voice for the Automotive Aftermarket Supplier Industry”

About OAC

Overseas Automotive Council (OAC) is the international aftermarket council of the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA), which is the light vehicle aftermarket division of the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association. The Council promotes the sale in foreign markets of automotive and heavy duty products manufactured in North America. Those products include components, accessories, chemicals, hand and power tools, service maintenance and repair equipment, and paint and body supplies for both cars and trucks. OAC has more than 350 members in more than 40 countries. More information is available through its Web site, www.oac-intl.org.