Latest News and Events
SFSF Recipient Ethan Malin Blends Serving and Science
April 1, 2024
April 1, 2024
As you finish your GC Burger at the Club, it’s common to see Ethan Malin behind the bar, whipping up a Cosmo or a Moscow Mule. On occasion, you’ll observe him carrying a large tray of lemon tarts at one of the noteworthy Governors Club celebrations.
Ethan can talk specialty cocktails, manage a table of 20, or go deep into a discussion on electromagnetism. As a 2023 Step Forward Scholarship Fund recipient, Ethan is working on a master’s degree in medical physics at Duke University. His graduate program consists of 40 credit hours plus a written thesis as well as a thesis presentation. Multi-part board exams follow the degree program.
How does a person end up in medical physics? And, what on earth is medical physics?
Looking back, Ethan said he had a typical, but far-flung childhood, living in Cincinnati, Memphis, and then attending high school in Raleigh. As an undergrad at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Ethan began his studies as an astrophysics major, as he wanted to explore the branch of astronomy concerned with the physical nature of stars and other celestial bodies. The major was not what he had expected, so Ethan switched to general physics. One of his friends told him about medical physics, which felt absolutely perfect as a career path.
“I like to help people and I love science,” Ethan said. “How could I get involved in both?”
At UNC, Ethan became involved in an on-campus lab, where he researched Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms and tested clinical data sets. This type of technology is in use today in CT scan images that are fed into an AI program. This process can speed up the diagnosis procedure for physicians by quickly marking organs and scanning for abnormalities.
While Ethan was an undergrad, he also began working at the Governors Club pool grill in 2022, moving to dining room serving and bartending within a few months. To this day, Ethan feels that “the community of Governors Club [doesn’t] make me feel like just a server or bartender. The members make me feel genuinely appreciated. Also, the Step Forward fund helped take a good dent off tuition so I could use that money for other costs such as applying to conferences.”
Flash forward to Ethan’s current program at Duke, which began right after his graduation from UNC. His medical physics program includes courses in radiology, radiation oncology, nuclear medicine, and radiation safety. His coursework has daunting titles such as Advanced Nuclear Medicine, External Beam Planning, and Radiation Biology.
Ethan has always loved the sciences. He reports that he consumed books on space in grade school. He loved to look at scans at his local hospital, including an ultrasound of his own heart. In high school, Ethan used to chat after class with his astronomy teacher, fascinated by that day’s lecture. Early on, Ethan knew he was “interested in a topic until I [had] a reason not to be interested,” and that “he wanted to be the smart guy.” Mission accomplished.
In his spare time—between work at the Governors Club and his classes—Ethan loves to play sports with friends, such as basketball and tennis. If he has the time, he’ll try a new restaurant.
What’s ahead in Ethan’s future? In addition to his graduate classes, he works at a Duke laboratory, working on cardiac modeling. His supervisor is assisting Ethan in compiling a grant for further research. This lab study and work he hopes will flow into a PhD program within a year or so.
As paraphrased from Martin Luther King Jr., Ethan believes, “Always move forward, even if it’s not in the same direction you thought.” Ethan is indeed moving forward.
Ethan can talk specialty cocktails, manage a table of 20, or go deep into a discussion on electromagnetism. As a 2023 Step Forward Scholarship Fund recipient, Ethan is working on a master’s degree in medical physics at Duke University. His graduate program consists of 40 credit hours plus a written thesis as well as a thesis presentation. Multi-part board exams follow the degree program.
How does a person end up in medical physics? And, what on earth is medical physics?
Looking back, Ethan said he had a typical, but far-flung childhood, living in Cincinnati, Memphis, and then attending high school in Raleigh. As an undergrad at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Ethan began his studies as an astrophysics major, as he wanted to explore the branch of astronomy concerned with the physical nature of stars and other celestial bodies. The major was not what he had expected, so Ethan switched to general physics. One of his friends told him about medical physics, which felt absolutely perfect as a career path.
“I like to help people and I love science,” Ethan said. “How could I get involved in both?”
At UNC, Ethan became involved in an on-campus lab, where he researched Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms and tested clinical data sets. This type of technology is in use today in CT scan images that are fed into an AI program. This process can speed up the diagnosis procedure for physicians by quickly marking organs and scanning for abnormalities.
While Ethan was an undergrad, he also began working at the Governors Club pool grill in 2022, moving to dining room serving and bartending within a few months. To this day, Ethan feels that “the community of Governors Club [doesn’t] make me feel like just a server or bartender. The members make me feel genuinely appreciated. Also, the Step Forward fund helped take a good dent off tuition so I could use that money for other costs such as applying to conferences.”
Flash forward to Ethan’s current program at Duke, which began right after his graduation from UNC. His medical physics program includes courses in radiology, radiation oncology, nuclear medicine, and radiation safety. His coursework has daunting titles such as Advanced Nuclear Medicine, External Beam Planning, and Radiation Biology.
Ethan has always loved the sciences. He reports that he consumed books on space in grade school. He loved to look at scans at his local hospital, including an ultrasound of his own heart. In high school, Ethan used to chat after class with his astronomy teacher, fascinated by that day’s lecture. Early on, Ethan knew he was “interested in a topic until I [had] a reason not to be interested,” and that “he wanted to be the smart guy.” Mission accomplished.
In his spare time—between work at the Governors Club and his classes—Ethan loves to play sports with friends, such as basketball and tennis. If he has the time, he’ll try a new restaurant.
What’s ahead in Ethan’s future? In addition to his graduate classes, he works at a Duke laboratory, working on cardiac modeling. His supervisor is assisting Ethan in compiling a grant for further research. This lab study and work he hopes will flow into a PhD program within a year or so.
As paraphrased from Martin Luther King Jr., Ethan believes, “Always move forward, even if it’s not in the same direction you thought.” Ethan is indeed moving forward.
SFSF Recipient David Wood’s Career Progress Measured in “Degrees”
March 4, 2024
March 4, 2024
After almost 25 years of working in restaurants, Governors Club server David Wood is looking to chill out.
Or, depending on the season, to heat up.
David, who received a grant in 2023 from the Step Forward Scholarship Fund (SFSF), is enrolled in the online heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) training program at North Carolina Central University in Durham. He could become a certified HVAC technician within a year.
“My first job was in a restaurant as a busser when I was 16 years old,” he said. “I made a few bad choices that kept me from pursuing further education or a change in career when I was younger.” As he nears his 40th birthday, David said he now feels it is the right time to make a career change. “I feel mentally that I am ready to learn something new,” he said.
“HVAC is very hands-on, and you have to be a problem solver.” It’s the latest turn in a journey that began in Manchester, England, and included stops in Florida and New England before landing in North Carolina.
“My parents met in the ‘70s when they were officers for the Greater Manchester Police,” said David, the youngest of three sons and a stalwart fan of the Manchester United soccer team. “They both retired after injuries and decided to chase the American dream; we ended up in Jupiter, Fla., when I was 6 years old. My parents bought and ran an interior decorating shop, which went well in Palm Beach.”
Fast forward to the mid-2010s.
“I was living in Massachusetts, where I met my girlfriend. We both hated cold weather and wanted to move south. My parents bought a house on Kerr Lake, and I looked for a city close by and ended up in Durham,” he said. “I worked in a few public restaurants in the area and did not enjoy how many of my coworkers were lazy and did not care about their job. Country clubs usually keep you to a higher standard, which I enjoy.”
David joined the GC staff in August 2018 and has been a mainstay in the Nicklaus Room. “Working at Governors Club has been a pleasure; the managers respect me and my work ethic … and the members are the nicest at any club I’ve ever worked,” he said.
The sentiment is mutual.
“David Wood is one of the teammates that others are always happy to see on their shifts,” said Passion Graham, director of clubhouse operations. “His presence brings a level of trust due to his consistency and dependability. He has an internal accountability that is rare. His desire to exceed members’ expectation is incomparable.”
With an HVAC certification, David said, “I hope to have the knowledge that I can do the job myself without second-guessing.” In 10 years, he hopes to be owning his own company or be working for someone who runs a great company.
“Receiving an SFSF scholarship means so much to me,” he said. “For someone who didn't enjoy school, this is now giving me an opportunity to enhance my knowledge and my life.“
Or, depending on the season, to heat up.
David, who received a grant in 2023 from the Step Forward Scholarship Fund (SFSF), is enrolled in the online heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) training program at North Carolina Central University in Durham. He could become a certified HVAC technician within a year.
“My first job was in a restaurant as a busser when I was 16 years old,” he said. “I made a few bad choices that kept me from pursuing further education or a change in career when I was younger.” As he nears his 40th birthday, David said he now feels it is the right time to make a career change. “I feel mentally that I am ready to learn something new,” he said.
“HVAC is very hands-on, and you have to be a problem solver.” It’s the latest turn in a journey that began in Manchester, England, and included stops in Florida and New England before landing in North Carolina.
“My parents met in the ‘70s when they were officers for the Greater Manchester Police,” said David, the youngest of three sons and a stalwart fan of the Manchester United soccer team. “They both retired after injuries and decided to chase the American dream; we ended up in Jupiter, Fla., when I was 6 years old. My parents bought and ran an interior decorating shop, which went well in Palm Beach.”
Fast forward to the mid-2010s.
“I was living in Massachusetts, where I met my girlfriend. We both hated cold weather and wanted to move south. My parents bought a house on Kerr Lake, and I looked for a city close by and ended up in Durham,” he said. “I worked in a few public restaurants in the area and did not enjoy how many of my coworkers were lazy and did not care about their job. Country clubs usually keep you to a higher standard, which I enjoy.”
David joined the GC staff in August 2018 and has been a mainstay in the Nicklaus Room. “Working at Governors Club has been a pleasure; the managers respect me and my work ethic … and the members are the nicest at any club I’ve ever worked,” he said.
The sentiment is mutual.
“David Wood is one of the teammates that others are always happy to see on their shifts,” said Passion Graham, director of clubhouse operations. “His presence brings a level of trust due to his consistency and dependability. He has an internal accountability that is rare. His desire to exceed members’ expectation is incomparable.”
With an HVAC certification, David said, “I hope to have the knowledge that I can do the job myself without second-guessing.” In 10 years, he hopes to be owning his own company or be working for someone who runs a great company.
“Receiving an SFSF scholarship means so much to me,” he said. “For someone who didn't enjoy school, this is now giving me an opportunity to enhance my knowledge and my life.“
Mid-Year Report Card for SFSF Recipients - Median Grade Point Average (GPA) Is 3.6
February 4, 2024
February 4, 2024
The fall semester is in the books, and it was a banner performance for Step Forward Scholarship Fund (SFSF) recipients enrolled in degree programs.
Out of the eight respondents, seven had GPA’s above a 3.0 on a 4.0-point scale. The highest GPA earned was 4.0; the lowest, 2.8. The median GPA was 3.6 (a B+ equivalent), meaning half were above and half below this number. Additionally, three recipients were on their school’s dean’s list.
“The first semester academic achievements of our 2023 scholarship recipients are truly impressive,” said John Zaremba, chair of the SFSF’s scholarship committee. “This validates for the scholarship committee as well as the SFSF board of directors the confidence we placed in each of them.”
The students attend such schools as Appalachian State, UNC Charlotte, UNC Asheville, UNC Chapel Hill, the University of South Carolina, NC State, Duke and Tulane. Their areas of study encompass business, psychology, biology, sociology, textile merchandising, marine science, and criminal justice.
Other employees and employee dependents who received scholarships aren’t in degree-related programs but are in professional development programs, Zaremba said, so GPA’s do not equate to their studies. However, the SFSF board monitors these students’ performances as well to ensure the recipients are successful.
The SFSF awarded 25 grants totaling over $120,000 in 2023. More than 30 GC employees and employees of children applied for scholarships. Members of SFSF currently are scheduling meetings with employees in each GC department to give them the full scope of the program. Applicants need to know that SFSF provides financial support for tuition, room and board, application and testing fees and housing deposits, stipends for non-paying or low-paying internships, and mentoring.
The organization expects a similar number of applications for the 2024-2025 academic year.
“From the community college to the graduate school, our recipients continue to confirm the value of helping our employees and their dependents have the same educational opportunities we have had,” Zaremba said. “Our SFSF supporters should feel good knowing their gifts are making this happen.”
Out of the eight respondents, seven had GPA’s above a 3.0 on a 4.0-point scale. The highest GPA earned was 4.0; the lowest, 2.8. The median GPA was 3.6 (a B+ equivalent), meaning half were above and half below this number. Additionally, three recipients were on their school’s dean’s list.
“The first semester academic achievements of our 2023 scholarship recipients are truly impressive,” said John Zaremba, chair of the SFSF’s scholarship committee. “This validates for the scholarship committee as well as the SFSF board of directors the confidence we placed in each of them.”
The students attend such schools as Appalachian State, UNC Charlotte, UNC Asheville, UNC Chapel Hill, the University of South Carolina, NC State, Duke and Tulane. Their areas of study encompass business, psychology, biology, sociology, textile merchandising, marine science, and criminal justice.
Other employees and employee dependents who received scholarships aren’t in degree-related programs but are in professional development programs, Zaremba said, so GPA’s do not equate to their studies. However, the SFSF board monitors these students’ performances as well to ensure the recipients are successful.
The SFSF awarded 25 grants totaling over $120,000 in 2023. More than 30 GC employees and employees of children applied for scholarships. Members of SFSF currently are scheduling meetings with employees in each GC department to give them the full scope of the program. Applicants need to know that SFSF provides financial support for tuition, room and board, application and testing fees and housing deposits, stipends for non-paying or low-paying internships, and mentoring.
The organization expects a similar number of applications for the 2024-2025 academic year.
“From the community college to the graduate school, our recipients continue to confirm the value of helping our employees and their dependents have the same educational opportunities we have had,” Zaremba said. “Our SFSF supporters should feel good knowing their gifts are making this happen.”
|
|
Step Forward Scholarship Fund, Inc.
P.O. Box 4631
Chapel Hill, NC 27515-4631
[email protected]
Step Forward Scholarship Fund, Inc. is a 501c3 organization. EIN #83-3175469