Scholarship for Veteran Watchmaking Students

The history of veterans-turned-watchmakers is interwoven with both war and innovation. Returning soldiers often faced challenges reintegrating into civilian life. Recognizing their technical skills and need for purpose, visionary programs like the Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking emerged. These initiatives provided veterans, particularly those with disabilities, with the meticulous training and tools needed to master the art of watchmaking. Today, organizations like the Veterans Watchmaker Initiative carry on this legacy. The Horological Society of New York is committed to ensuring the success of veteran watchmaking students.

Andre Bibeau

Pvt. Andre L. Bibeau (May 7, 1925 - September 9, 2016) was a World War II veteran who served in the Army Infantry and was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star.

In 1943 he was assigned to the 141st Infantry Regiment out of Fort Meade, MD and was deployed to the Italian front as a private. He was wounded twice in Italy and subsequently awarded the Purple Heart.

Upon leaving the Army, Andre Bibeau attended the Bulova School of Watchmaking in New York. After graduating from the Bulova School, Andre opened his own successful watch repair business until he retired at age 75. Andre Bibeau was born in Waterbury, CT and lived there all his life until he passed away in September, 2016.

DETAILS

Any student who has been accepted or is currently studying at a full-time watchmaking school in the USA and is a veteran is eligible for the Andre Bibeau Scholarship. Prospective students may also apply, with the understanding that the scholarship is contingent on their enrollment at a full-time watchmaking school. The scholarship is awarded every April. Awards up to $5,000 are available.

To apply, students should email a letter in PDF form to the Trustees of the Horological Society of New York that includes a biography, explanation of their motivation to study watchmaking and an explanation of how this scholarship would benefit the applicant. A resume is required, and reference letters are recommended. The application period is January 1 to March 1 of every year.

DonorS

The Andre Bibeau Scholarship for Veteran Watchmaking Students is made possible by a generous donation from Maj. Michelle A. Cunningham and Aaron M. Cunningham.

Awardees

2024

Scholarships will be disbursed based on the proportion of the recognized educational program the student has completed. Additional funds will be disbursed at the beginning of each quarter/semester/section, in proportion to how much of the program that quarter/semester/section represents.

If a student leaves the program before completion disbursements will be paused. If said student does re-enroll in a watchmaking program within 2 years, their scholarship disbursements will restart. If said student does not re-enroll in a watchmaking program within 2 years the balance of the award is forfeited. If the same student enrolls again in a watchmaking program after 2 years they are not disqualified from applying to HSNY for additional scholarships. For example, if a student is enrolled in a 2-year program consisting of 8 quarters, and is awarded a scholarship after 4 quarters of enrollment, the initial disbursement would be 50% of their total award. Additional quarterly disbursements would be 12.5% of their total award.

Exempt from the scholarship are board members, trustees, fellows of the Horological Society of New York, and their family members. Grant recipients will be asked to complete a W-9 form before receiving their gift (check) for tax purposes. For more information, contact us.