NECA

Scholarship Fund Immortalizes Emerson Hamilton’s Legacy

NECA’s revered former President Emerson Hamilton was known throughout his life for his generosity as well as the dedicated leadership of the electrical contracting industry which he carried out through numerous offices and activities. Now, the Oregon Pacific-Cascade Chapter has ensured the continuation of his legacy by launching a scholarship in his name. His colleagues and fellow contractors are invited to participate.

Mr. Hamilton grew up in the electrical contracting industry and officially joined the family business in 1960 following his under- graduate education at the University of Oregon, completion of his Masters degree in business administration from New York University, and a stint in the U.S. Air Force. He was a charter member of our Oregon Pacific-Cascade Chapter, where he served as governor and board member before his election as vice president of NECA District 6. He was president of our national organization from 1986 through 1989. Later, he returned to manage his home chapter prior to being appointed executive director of NECA’s Western Region.

Along with many other prestigious accolades and honors, Emerson Hamilton earned NECA’s McGraw Award, which recognizes constructive thinking and action, in 1978 – the same year he was inducted into the Academy of Electrical Contracting. He became the winner of the Comstock Award in 1989 for his work in improving labor-management relations within our industry. However, it was his selflessness in “giving to family, friends, and total strangers in need” that prompted the Oregon Pacific-Cascade Chapter’s Board of Directors to establish the scholarship fund.

In fact, need is the primary factor considered in awarding these scholarships to eligible Oregon students, although outstanding academic achievement is also taken into account. In addition, personal and family circumstances and involvement in non-academic pursuits are considered.

The fund has been set up as a charitable trust so donations are tax deductible. Checks made payable to the “Emerson Hamilton Scholarship Fund” may be sent directly to the chapter office. (For tax-filing purposes, the fund’s employer identification number is 20-1285416.) To contribute or to get more information, write to Oregon Pacific-Cascade Chapter, NECA, 1040 Gateway Loop, Suite A, Springfield, OR 97477; call 541-736-1443; or e-mail info@orpacneca.org