University of California Berkeley Mechanical Engineering Student, Greg Zaborski, Jr., Awarded Inaugural Chevron Langley Veteran’s Scholarship
Created to Assist United States Veterans Who Wish to Pursue a Post-Secondary Education;
Decorated Marine and Honor Student Receives $7,000 Scholarship
VACAVILLE, Calif., — The inaugural Chevron Langley Veteran’s Scholarship, in the amount of $7,000, has been awarded to Greg Zaborski, Jr., a former Marine and current Mechanical Engineering major at the University of California Berkeley, the Northern California PGA Foundation (NCPGA) announced today. The scholarship program, launched by the NCPGA’s charitable arm in 2018, and sponsored by the Chevron Veteran’s Employee Network, was created to assist United States Veterans who wish to pursue a post-secondary education and where financial need is a factor.
“We are extremely proud to support our Veterans and team-up with Chevron to present the inaugural Chevron Langley Veteran’s Scholarship to decorated Marine, Greg Zaborski, Jr., whose credentials are not only unmatched, but whose story of determination and overcoming adversity is truly inspiring,” said Nancy Maul, Executive Director, Northern California PGA Foundation. “These scholarships can mean the difference between pursuing a post-secondary education and not having the financial means to do so. However, considering their incredible service to our country, it’s imperative to help Veterans, like Greg, secure an education and succeed in their career.”
In earning the inaugural Chevron Langley Veteran’s Scholarship, Zaborski, Jr. was selected on the basis of his academic record, demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities, honors, work experience, an essay, and an outside recommendation.
Zaborski, Jr., 30, who will graduate in May with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, prior to attending graduate school to pursue a PhD in Material Science & Engineering, boasts an impressive resume filled with awards and accolades, including numerous military honors through his service as a Marine from 2006 – 2010. Among his commendations, Zaborski, Jr. received the Combat Action Ribbon (Afghanistan), Humanitarian Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (Kuwait), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal, among others.
After numerous deployments overseas, Zaborski, Jr. was discharged from the Marines at age 22. Coming from a childhood of devalued educational beliefs, he soon found himself without a path forward and eventually became homeless. However, his vast military experience in remote destinations, like the war-torn Helmand Province of Afghanistan, gave Zaborski, Jr. a first-hand look at despair, oppression and a true lack of opportunity. Thus, he dedicated himself to achieving a secondary education, while choosing engineering as his career focus. After stints at both Saddlebook College and Coastline Community College, he earned acceptance into the University of California Berkeley.
“I am truly humbled to receive the first Chevron Langley Veteran’s Scholarship,” said Zaborski, Jr. “Given the criteria for this honor, it is gratifying to know that my hard work, determination and persistence in reaching my career goals has been recognized. I want to thank the Chevron Veteran’s Employee Network, as well as the Northern California PGA Foundation, for choosing me for this award, and helping to fund the next chapter in my education.”
During his time at Berkeley, Zaborski served as Vice Chancellor of the Student Advisory Committee, as well as being named to the Pi Tau Sigma International Mechanical Engineering Honor Society. Along the way, and based on his vast global experiences, he became a published writer, a guest speaker at conferences & seminars and currently serves as a Veteran in Global Leadership Fellow through Georgetown University, among other noted achievements.
“In recognizing Greg Zaborski, Jr., whose vast military experiences provided him the training and skills necessary to pursue a career in the field of engineering, we have found an individual who embodies the mission of the Chevron Veterans Employee Network,” said Glenn Weckerlin, Director of University Partnerships & Association Relations for Chevron. “Named after Jim Langley, a distinguished Veteran who served his country and community with such grace and dignity, the Chevron Langley Veteran’s Scholarship is a wonderful program that honors an individual who followed in Jim’s footsteps.”
For additional information on the Chevron Langley Veteran’s Scholarship, visit: https://www.ncpgafoundation.org/grants-scholarships/chevron-langley.
###
About the NCPGA Foundation
The Northern California PGA Foundation is a 501c3, non-profit charitable organization, Federal Tax ID #75-3249593. Founded in 2007, it is the philanthropic arm of the Northern California Section PGA. The Mission of the NPCGA Foundation is three-fold: (1) To serve Veterans – their health & their families (2) To provide resources to PGA members serving their communities within Northern California & Northwestern Nevada, and (3) To grow the game of golf. The Northern California Section of the PGA of America is an organization of 1,100 dedicated PGA Professionals & associates at more than 400 golf facilities in Northern California & Northwestern Nevada committed to helping others through the game of golf.
About Chevron Veteran’s Employee Network
The Mission of the Chevron Veterans Employee Network is to attract, develop and retain Veterans by valuing the skills gained through military experience thereby increasing Chevron’s competitive advantage. Chevron Veterans Network accomplishes these goals through career development, employee engagement and Veterans’ community outreach.
About the Chevron Langley Veteran Scholarship
The Chevron Langley Veteran’s Scholarship, sponsored by the Chevron Veteran’s Network, was established by the Northern California PGA Foundation to recognize and assist United States Veterans who plan to pursue post-secondary education. Diversity and inclusion are cornerstones of both the Northern California PGA and Chevron’s corporate values. For the Northern California PGA, and the PGA of America, we are focused on embracing and leveraging diversity and inclusion with particular emphasis on education and training, workforce diversification, supplier inclusion, and community engagement. For Chevron, as core values, diversity and inclusion are critical to developing the talented, high-performing workforce needed for ongoing business success. The Chevron Way’s focus on people has helped establish a culture that attracts, develops and retains more diverse talent. This Northern California PGA Foundation scholarship is part of Chevron’s Diversity Scholarship Program which helps provide students a way to pursue opportunities where financial need is a factor. Awards are granted without regard to race, color, creed, religion, age, gender, disability or national origin. Renewable scholarships are offered each year for full-time undergraduate study at colleges and universities. While Chevron is investing in those students that align with our key disciplines, these scholarships are not a guarantee of employment at Chevron.
Media Contact:
Jared Minski, Vice President
Mastro Communications, Inc.
732-469-5700 or jared@mastrocomm.com