Southwestern Community College (SWCC) student James Bourn, of Elliott, was awarded the Automotive Career Starter Tool Set Award through the college’s Education Foundation.
This award was established by Nile Cornelison, who attended SWCC (at that time known as Creston Junior College) from 1960-62, in conjunction with Advance Auto Parts and the CARQUEST Technical Institute. The award includes the gift of a complete career starter tool set and tool chest.
Bourn was selected for this award due to his success in the classroom, as well as the lab. The purpose of this scholarship is to aid students who are nearing graduation from college and prepare them to enter the workforce. During his time at SWCC, Bourn has earned his diploma in auto collision repair/refinish in June 2018, his Associate of Applied Science degree in auto collision repair/refinish in May 2019, and is scheduled to receive a diploma in automotive repair technology in June 2019.
Cornelison is well known throughout the United States in the automotive industry. At one time, Cornelison had his own business in Creston, selling automotive parts to car enthusiasts across the Midwest. He has been recognized a number of times by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA). In 2014, he was elected to the SEMA Hall of Fame for his efforts to integrate vehicle manufacturers and their engine technical training programs into the SEMA Show, as well as other industry contributions.