David “Big Dave” Hendrix Memorial Scholarship
This fund was created to honor the life of David “Big Dave” Hendrix Jr. “Big Dave” who departed this earthly life “way too soon” on September 10, 2021, loved all that Madison College stood for—students, colleagues, their families, and community were to David, simply put “family”. David had many roles at Madison College over his 25+ years of service—Custodian, Culinary, Grounds Keeper, and “Duck Man,” but his favorite role of all, was playing Santa with his beautiful fiancé Pia Kinney James by his side as Mrs. Claus. Volunteering to serve as Madison College’s Santa, putting big smiles on children and their families’ faces, especially children of color because they saw that Santa could look like them. Giving back to the entire Madison College Community in this way made David so incredibly proud.
“Big Dave’s” mission in life was to bring light and love to everyone he encountered, both on and off the job, through “a smile.” It meant so much to him that he even authored a poem. David’s immediate family, fiancé Pia, goddaughter Jessica, sister Connie, other siblings, and good friend Rhoda have established this scholarship to honor Big Dave’s legacy at Madison College. The purpose for the scholarship is to “pay it forward” for a person of color seeking a degree in the Trades.
Although “Big Dave” is no longer with us, our profound hope, is that this scholarship will lessen the financial hardships of those returning to school and “Big Dave” as he did in life, for generations to come will continue to give others the joy of his presence by making the recipients’ and their families rejoice, celebrate and “Smile”.