The Ronney D. Spencer Scholarship Fund is dedicated to our late colleague, Ronney D. Spencer, who passed away on March 10, 2003. Ron taught construction management technology at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore for twenty-three years. He was a vital participant in our chapter for the past 20 years. He served as executive director to our chapter for eight and one half years, and served on the board of directors for many years. In 2001 he volunteered to head a search committee for past presidents of our chapter. The results were incredible. He spent countless hours researching and traveling the Eastern Shore to locate names and documentation. He personally visited Mr. John Trimmer who served as ABC National First Vice President from 1952-1976, gathering information, and details of the early years.
Through Mr. Trimmer and other sources, he was able to identify all of the members that served as presidents and their years of service. He also provided the whereabouts of those still living so that they could be invited to our awards dinner. He also met with Mr. Samuel Cook of Venable, Baetjer and Howard. Mr. Cook served as labor counsel to the Metro Chapter, to ABC of Maryland and ABC National. Mr. Cook is now completing a comprehensive history of the early years (1950-1980) of ABC. Mr. Spencer provided information to Mr. Cook regarding the Eastern Shore Chapter that will be used in that book.
On January 10, 2002 our chapter held its Installation of Officers and Directors. At this dinner we honored those that served as presidents to our chapter. Ten of the twenty-one was able to attend. We were extremely pleased to welcome ABC National 2002 Chairman Ken Adams and ABC National President and CEO Kirk Pickerel at this event, as well as more than 70 of our members and guests. We credit Mr. Spencer with the success of this event.
Ronney provided in-depth, valuable articles to be published in the by-monthly chapter newsletter. He attended monthly board of directors meetings, dinners, membership, committee meetings, as well as the annual ABC National Convention. He encouraged his students to attend and participate in ABC functions.
His dedication to the University, his students, the Chapter, and his knowledge of the construction industry was unsurpassed and he will be truly missed by all.
Further information regarding Ronny’s accomplishments as viewed by three of his associates can be found in this directory.
With unanimous approval by the ABC Eastern Shore Chapters’ officers and directors, the chapter was instrumental in establishing the Ronny D. Spencer Endowed Scholarship in October 2003. This scholarship will be managed by The University of Maryland Foundation, Inc., under guidelines established by the Board of Directors. The purpose of this Fund will be to provide funds to support need and merit based scholarships for students in the Construction Management Technology Program at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
We encourage ABC members, and their employees to consider making a generous donation to the Fund. For information regarding making donation’s contact the ABC Eastern Shore at 410-546-5606.
With Gratitude,
The Officers and Board of Directors ABC Eastern Shore Chapter