September 2015
September 2015
Dear Friends of the Link Foundation:
The Link Foundation continues to fund outstanding, emerging scholars in the fields of engineering and science. At a time when our nation is falling behind in the education of students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), the Link Foundation continues to support worthy students in these fields at various levels of their education from junior high school through doctoral programs. For example, during the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2015, the Link Foundation provided grants of approximately $535,000, bringing our total support of these endeavors since the inception of the Foundation to more than $14,260,000.
A major part of our giving supports cutting edge, doctoral-level research in the fields of Edwin A. Link’ s endeavors: modeling, simulation and training, ocean engineering and instrumentation, and energy resource development and conservation. These were fields in which our founders, Edwin A. Link and Marion C. Link, remained interested throughout their adult lives and which hold much promise for the betterment of humankind and the defense of our nation. Last year we received 175 applications from highly qualified doctoral students throughout the nation, and we selected 9 of the very top students for funding. Their research is quite promising in terms of the advancement of science and the betterment of the communities in which we live.
During our February 2015 Board Meeting, we appointed two individuals to our board that had a long-standing, personal connection with Ed and Marion Link:
Mr. J. Link Murray is a grand nephew of Ed and Marion. He holds an MBA from Harvard University and has had a distinguished career in international government service. He presently holds a senior management position with CVS/Caremark. Dr. Speros Link Margetis, who is Ed Link’ s godson, holds a PhD degree in Economics and Finance, and is currently a Professor of Finance at the University of Tampa. Their commitment to the mission of the Link Foundation runs as deeply as their personal connection with Ed and Marion.
We conclude by conveying our gratitude for the generous unsolicited gifts which were received during the past fiscal year. We appreciate the cooperation and encouragement of many people who help us fulfill the mission of the Link Foundation, especially Ms. Marilyn C. Link for her abiding interest in and support for all of the endeavors of the Link Foundation.
Sincerely,
Thomas F. Kelly, Ph.D.
Chair, Link Foundation Board of Trustees and Special Advisors
Professor of Management and former Dean of the School of Management
Binghamton University of the State University of New York