New ‘2 Bills’ Scholarship Supports Cypress College Aviation Students, Honors Two Passionate Pilots
For Immediate Release
December 17, 2021
Contact: Marc Posner
(714) 484-7006
Four Cypress College students are the initial recipients of a new Cypress College scholarship — The 2 Bills Flight Scholarship — which honors Bill Symons, Sr., and Bill Symons, Jr. The two “Bills” are, respectively, the father and brother of Gail Symons Goldwasser.
Goldwasser, along with her husband Mark Chatinsky, established a scholarship of $10,000 to support students at Cypress College who are seeking their commercial pilot degrees and a career as professional aviators. Both of the individuals honored in the scholarship were pilots: Bill Sr., in the Army Air Force and Bill Jr., a FedEx Captain.
Flying was a passion of both men.
With the scholarship, Goldwasser and Chatinsky seek to commemorate these two pilots and to contribute to the passion for aviation of the students who will benefit. It is their intention that the two $10,000 scholarships will fund flight time and other costs for recipients who demonstrate financial need.
The initial recipients of the 2 Bills Aviation Scholarship are: Andrew Barajas, Samantha Cummings, Colin Skutnik, and Julia Lara. The recipients will receive $2,500 each.
“We are thankful to Gail and Mark for the support of our students,” said Howard Kummerman, executive director of the Cypress College Foundation. “Cypress College’s unique aviation program dramatically reduces cost for students and the 2 Bills scholarship helps students to fund the cost of flight time. Their support of our students helps make their access to a lucrative and in-demand profession more attainable. We are thankful for their support and thrilled to help these wonderful and deserving students.”
About Cypress College:
Cypress College offers students a pathway to their future in an environment in which employees commit to joining students on their educational journey. The college’s half-million-plus alumni include actors, athletes, doctors, executives, mechanics, nurses, and teachers. For some, Cypress College is the ticket into their university of choice, and for others, it provides essential training for a prosperous career. Just one Cypress College class is often all it takes to provide cutting- edge skills that lead to a promotion or a new job.
Cypress College’s 16,000 students and the highly qualified teaching faculty are proud of the many excellent academic and vocational programs. Cypress College provides a pathway for each of our students, offering 56 university-transfer majors, 174 career-certificate programs, and degrees in 98 areas of study. The college’s traditional semesters begin in January and August, while short-term courses start throughout the year. A Cypress College education costs $46 per unit — $138 for a typical, full-credit class — California’s lowest tuition. Eligible first-time students qualify for free tuition through Cypress College’s Charger Experience promise program. Financial aid and scholarships are also available to qualifying students.
Cypress College is one of three campuses in the North Orange County Community College District and a member of the 116-campus California Community College system. The college primarily serves the cities of Anaheim, Buena Park, Cypress, Garden Grove, La Palma, Los Alamitos, Seal Beach, and Stanton.
Located at 9200 Valley View Street in Cypress, the college is easily accessible from several Southern California freeways, including the 5, 91, 605, 22, and 405. The campus is just a stone’s-throw from Downtown Disney and Knott’s Berry Farm.
In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Cypress College’s instruction and services are now offered both in person on campus and in an online/remote format. Students can access support services online at cypresscollege.edu/coronavirus.
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