As we start the school year for 2008/2009 we are pleased to announce that we are funding a scholarship program for Palomar College in San Marcos, California.  Palomar’s Cabinet & Furniture Technology Program (CFT) is recognized as one of the very best in the nation.  Their current enrollment is over 900 students per semester!  This is the future of the woodworking industry of tomorrow.   While Industrial Arts Programs are being slashed across the country, Palomar stands with one of the finest reputations for graduating students that continue in the woodworking industry.

Russell Filbeck an Associate Professor at the college joins me in the effort.   Many of you will recognize his name for his famous Ladder Back Chairs and his many articles in WOOD Magazine, and numerous other magazines.  Additionally, Russ annually builds and donates his chairs to Presidents Carter’s, Carter Center Foundation, the MS Society and has built chairs in support of the CFT scholarship program at Palomar College.  President Carter has been recognized for his great humanitarian effort across the world, and is well known as a very accomplished woodworker!

As many of you know I have been an advocate for education for years. During the past several years, there has been a reduction of the Industrial Arts programs in California and across the country.  Therefore, I feel that this scholarship will assure the success of one student for next year and many more in the future.  “One small step for education.”

Russ has donated the sale proceeds of one of his Ladder Back Chairs to start the funding for the scholarship.  I have donated a Bow Arm Morris Chair and Footstool in brown leather. Our goal for this year is to raise $20,000 and the checks have started to roll in….

The Palomar College Foundation, which manages the scholarship fund, is a 503C non-profit organization and your contributions are tax deductible.  You will receive a receipt from the college for your contribution.  In addition, each contributor will receive from us an 8x10 Certificate in gold foil with your name or organization that is very suitable for framing.  It is titled “You Make a Difference” and will look great in your office or workshop. We encourage you to consider this program. For more information please visit the Palomar web site at http://www.palomar.edu/woodworking.  Please contact me personally by phone at (760) 743-6923 or email at americanfurniture@cox.net. If you elect to make a contribution to this great program please make your checks payable to the Palomar College Foundation, reference CFT-American Furniture Design Scholarship.  Checks can be mailed to us here at PO Box 300100, Escondido, CA 92030.  If you wish they can also be mailed to the college.  Palomar College Foundation, Attn: Pauline Riley, 1140 W Mission Road, San Marcos, CA 92069.

Brian H. Murphy & Russ Filbeck