LOS ANGELES, CA–(Marketwire – October 7, 2010) – In an effort to extend its pioneering spirit to the next generation, Oakwood Temporary Housing announces that it is promoting tomorrow’s entrepreneurs today through the Howard F. Ruby Scholarship Program. Named after the entrepreneur who founded the Company in 1960, the new scholarship program is exclusively available to selected children of the 3,000 Oakwood employees — known as Associates at the Company — for academic achievement and environmental service.

The three 2010 recipients of the first annual Howard F. Ruby Scholarship Program include Ernesto Nuñez from Westchester, CA at the $1000 level; Lori Nichols from Lawrenceville, GA at the $2,500 level; and Shirin Soroush from West Hills, CA at the $5,000 level. Ernesto Nuñez was chosen because of his involvement with various community service programs including Empowertech and Boy Scouts while maintaining a 4.39 GPA at St. Bernard High School. Each cash prize can be awarded annually for up to four years of college education.

Due to the number of impressive applications that were received, the Committee also selected three applicants who will receive one-time bursary awards of $500 each for the Fall 2010 school year: Mark Allen Montellana of North Hills, CA and twins Chanel and Jhanel Stewart of Burbank, CA.

“While we have always provided learning opportunities for our Associates, it is especially exciting to now promote higher learning in the children of our Associates,” notes Howard Ruby, Oakwood Chairman and Founder. “As an entrepreneur and business owner for over 50 years, I have always believed in the power of education, the importance of developing leadership skills, and the need to foster the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit in others. This scholarship program allows Oakwood to do all of this for a future generation of leaders.”

The Scholarship selection committee will annually recognize academic achievement and community involvement by its honorees through their respective demonstrated commitment to scholarship and volunteer work in the areas of health and human services, education, arts and culture, civic life, community service, and environmental preservation.

“It is Howard’s entrepreneurial spirit, love of learning and pioneering example that lead us to extend this scholarship opportunity to our Oakwood Family,” notes Bill Maxwell, Senior Vice President and CHRO. “The foundation of the Oakwood success is in its Associates, and it has never been more fitting as upon our 50^th year of business success to show them that appreciation.” 

Throughout its history, Oakwood has been committed to investment in people through learning and growth experiences for its Associates. It offers educational reimbursement and both internal and external training seminars. Oakwood University (OU), its award-winning in-house Training and Development group, has been honored by Training Magazine, naming Oakwood as one of the Top 125 Training Companies for multiple consecutive years.

The Howard F. Ruby Scholarship Program is carried out through thoughtful guidelines, establishing the wise use of resources. The selection committee is chaired by several members of Oakwood’s executive committee including: Ric Villarreal, President; Marina Lubinsky, Senior Vice President and CIO; Bill Maxwell, Senior Vice President and CHRO; and Ana Castellanos, Vice President of Human Resources.

About Oakwood Temporary Housing
Oakwood is the global leader and provider of furnished and serviced apartments. For one need or many, local or around the globe — Oakwood offers flexible, easy-to-use, custom solutions to meet any temporary housing need.

A wide range of inventory and supplier management options allows Oakwood to provide the optimal housing solution whenever and wherever needed. With more than 3,000 Oakwood associates worldwide, nearly 15,000 apartments, and more than 400 network partners, Oakwood can meet any need and delivers with reliability clients can trust.

Its staff of trained professionals throughout the world, innovative technologies, and unparalleled customer service have made Oakwood the premier choice in temporary housing solutions for 50 years.

For more information, please visit www.oakwood.com.

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