JAMESTOWN – With more than 100 family, friends, and hospital staff in attendance at the 47th graduation ceremony of the WCA Hospital School of Radiologic Technology on June 9, Brooke Ludwiczak, student of the radiology school, was awarded this year’s recipient of the Vincent Messina A. Memorial Scholarship.

The memorial fund preserves Vincent’s benevolent legacy by providing scholarships to students enrolled in the second year of the WCA Hospital School of Radiologic Technology.

Vince was very proud to distinguish himself as a graduate of the first class of the radiology school in 1969.

The scholarship was lovingly presented to Brooke by Vince’s wife, Kathy Messina.

“Lives can be measured by the passions one has,” Kathy tenderly relayed before announcing the winner. “Vince had three passions in his life – family, work and golf. Not everyone can count work among their passions, but WCA Hospital was truly one of Vince’s passions. Over the decades, his co-workers and patients were recipients of the commitment that Vince devoted to the field of radiology. Countless times, patients and colleagues conveyed their gratitude and appreciation to me for the person he was and the work that he had dedicated to his career. Upon my husband’s sudden passing, my family, with the help of many of our friends and colleagues, decided to honor his memory. With that in mind, the Vincent Messina Memorial Scholarship Fund was born.

As many of us know, Vince graduated from the first class of the WCA School of Radiologic Technology and this fund was initiated to directly benefit students entering the field that my husband was so passionate about.”

Ludwiczak, currently enrolled in the hospital’s school, will use the award funds toward her second year of school.

The WCA Hospital School of Radiologic Technology is a full-time, 22-month, hospital based program.

Upon completion of the school program, the student receives a certificate of completion and is eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists exam as well as eligibility for New York state licensure.

To fund the Vincent Memorial Scholarship and reinforce Vince’s love for the game of golf, family, friends, co-workers, and golf enthusiasts joined together to create the annual Vince Messina Memorial Golf Tournament.

The once-a-year golf outing scheduled for May 20, 2017, is a four-person scramble. Fee is $100 per golfer ($40 is tax-deductible gift) which includes driving range, golf, cart, lunch, dinner and prizes. To register for the 2017 golf tournament, contact Joe Bellitto at 483-7775. A dinner buffet will be held following the tournament.

The public can reserve advanced dinner tickets by calling the WCA Office of Development at 664-8423.

To learn more about this endowed Scholarship Fund or donate to its cause, please contact Brigetta Overcash, WCA Foundation, executive director, at 664-5461.