DES PLAINES, IL (April 17, 2003) – Frank Disori, a Millersville University Occupational Safety and Environmental Health Program student, is the first recipient of the American Society of Safety Engineers Foundation’s (ASSEF) ‘America Responds Memorial’ scholarship, officials announced today. ASSEF established the ‘America Responds Memorial’ Fund on September 14, 2001 to honor those ASSE members whose lives were lost during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and, had dedicated their lives to protecting people, property and the environment.

      “This is a real honor for me because until I saw the presentation about 9/11 and the World Trade Center clean up at ASSE’s annual meeting last year, I was unaware of the large number of ASSE members who were involved in the massive rescue and clean up efforts,” Disori said. “I take this as a major compliment and I’m very proud.”

      The ASSE New York City Metro Chapter alone donated $10,000 to the ‘American Responds Memorial’ fund this year. Donations from members and non-members alike, chapters, and corporations from around the world were received in honor of the memory of the fallen ASSE members.

      Disori is a junior at Millersville University in Millersville, PA, studying occupational safety and environmental health with a focus on industrial hygiene.

      “I think in the future you will see more of a shift to environmental affects on workers’ safety and health,” Disori said. “Technology is rapidly changing. We don’t have all the answers on how new equipment or the environment affects workers. For instance, with cell phones, we don’t have enough information on the amount of radiation they emit and how, if so, harmful that may be. And we must constantly check on new equipment, that it is designed to fit the task and the workers to prevent any injuries and illness.”

      Born in Shamokin, PA, Disori has two brothers, both in the Air Force. He and 18 other ASSEF scholarship recipients will receive their awards this June at the annual ASSE Professional Development Conference and Exposition to be held in Denver. Nearly $60,000 in annual scholarships will be awarded this year to occupational safety, health and environmental students who are also ASSE members.

      Chartered in 1990, the ASSEF is committed to ensuring the future of the occupational safety and health profession by providing financial resources to individuals and organizations. Funding comes from corporations and voluntary donations from ASSE members – individual and through chapters -- for applied safety research, scholarships, fellowships, internships and professional development. To donate to the ‘America Responds Memorial’ fund, visit the ASSEF web site at www.asse.org/donate.htm. Also, check the www.asse.org site under Foundation for more information and an electronic version of the Career Guide to the Safety Profession book, also available for free by contacting ASSE customer service at 847-699-2929 or customerservice@asse.org.

      Founded in 1911, ASSE is the oldest and largest professional safety organization and is dedicated to protecting people, property and the environment. Its more than 30,000 members manage, supervise and consult on safety, health and environmental issues in industry, insurance, government and education.

     

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