b"Foundation Expands PBAU ScholarshipsFor the past 26 years the Fishing Clubs charitableand this scholarship will greatly aid me in this endeavor, foundation, the Palm Beach County Fishing Foundation,wrote Miller.has been awarding a marine biology scholarship at PalmOur 2021 scholarship recipients Beach Atlantic University (PBAU).To date, the PBCFFare Abbigaile Michaeli and Kris- Kristinhas presented $33,500 in scholarship awards to deservingtin Jenkins, both students field ofJenkinsPBAU undergraduate biology students who have concen- interest is coral reef conservation. trations in marine science. The clubs board of directorsThese two $2,000 scholarship recently approved the addition of a second scholarshipawards are presented in memory made possible through the generous support of the Dennisof the late Dennis G. Punches. G. Punches Foundation.Last year, PBAU biology studentMr. Punches was life-long angler Zachary Miller from Aldie, Vir- who had a desire to help students ginia, an avid angler and scubapursue their educational goals diver, was awarded the PBCFFsand expand our knowledge of the $2,000 scholarship. Thank you somarine environment.much for your belief and support ofThe Fishing Club has enjoyed a very positive relation-my academic goals.Im so excitedship with PBAU for decades.We owe a debt of gratitude to graduate this coming May andto longtime club member Dr. Ray Waldner, who retired move into the next phase of life.last year (see related story - pg. 5) from the PBAU Biology I believe that my passions andDepartment.Ray was a faculty member for over 30 years Abbigaile interests will impact others by in- and always played a key role in coordinating this scholar-Michaeli spiring a desire to understand andship.We also thank him for getting PBAU students and conserve our ocean ecosystems,faculty members involved in our community initiatives.Capt. Al Nathan Scholarship at FAU The PBCFF's annual Capt. Al Nathan scholarship at FAU is presented each year to a graduate student in the school's Marine Science program. Capt. Nathan was a former charter captain and WPBFC lifetime member. Our 2021 recipient is Ivan Heerdegen, who is doing his masters thesis on lemon shark feeding behavior.I am maintaining a 4.0 GPA and making great strides on my thesis project.This scholarship has provided much needed encouragement and support.The passion I have as a student, researcher, tutor for organic chemistry, and teaching assistant for biology has been the impetus for an already productive and enriching journey through graduate school, said Heerdegen.Over the past 18 years, the PBCFF has presented over $40,000 in scholarships at FAU in honor of Capt. Nathan.Capt. Al Nathan (2nd from left)PBCFF Endowment UpdateWith 2020 in the rear view, it is a fitting time to reflectKaupe, helped lead the charge with the creation of this on the foresight our clubs board of directors had nearlyspecial growth oriented fund that supports our locally 30 years ago with the establishment of the PBCFFs Johnbased youth programs, conservation projects and historic Rybovich Endowment.Then board member, Sandrapreservation initiatives.We are especially grateful for the continued support from the John A. and Elizabeth F. Taylor Charitable Foundation who share our long-term vision of the role our organization plays in the community.Thank you also to all WPBFC lifetime members.A portion of lifetime member dues goes directly towards growing our endowment.Only interest and dividend earnings from the endowment are used to support board approved initiatives. The Rybovich Endowment currently stands at $1.4 million. Our immediate goal is to grow this fund to $2 million.The PBCFFs Rybovich Endowment will help provide financial stability well into the future and will ensure our meaning-ful programs continue for generations to come, even during times of great uncertainty.42 W estP almB eachF ishingc luB"