The Tom Krzyzaniak Automotive Scholarship Fund was established in 2007 by his wife Barbara and children Kristyn and Todd. Tom graduated in 1966 from Bay City Central High School. After high school he attended Western Michigan University and received a bachelor’s degree in education with a minor in business administration. He began his teaching career with Saginaw Public Schools in 1970. Within a short period of time, Tom took an interest in the automobile industry. His lengthy career took him through all aspects of the business; from construction of auto parts, to supervision of inspection lines at General Motors and eventually into the sales. He began his career in the finance and insurance division at Garber Buick in 1981. From there, he moved his way up the ladder to new car sales manager and then into the executive manager/dealer position. He was truly diverse in the construction, manufacture and sales of General Motors products.
Tom touched the lives of many in his career at Garber Buick. He was a leader and truly committed to his company, customers and employees. Tom lived with the adage that a “team was only as good as its leader.” By establishing this scholarship, we hope to find an individual that will share Tom’s passion for both business and the automotive industry. We welcome all to share in his legacy.
Qualifications
- Minimum 2.5 GPA
- Graduating high school senior or current college student that graduated from any high school in Saginaw, Bay or Midland Counties
- Pursuing an undergraduate, associate degree or Career and Technical Education (CTE) training in an automotive related field (engineering, ASAP program, management, repair or sales)
- Part- or full-time enrollment
Evaluation Criteria
- Leadership (29)
- Financial need (19)
- Scholastic record (13)
- Community service (13)
- Extracurricular/school activities (13)
- Overall involvement in work, school and community activities (13)