Former IBM Executive Inspires Technology Students with Annual Awards

Ninety-eight-year-old Edward R. Frick of Pinehurst, has never stopped believing in technology and its advancements over the years after his three-decade career with IBM. Since 2018, when he funded the Frick Innovation and Technology Center at Sandhills Community College (SCC), he has presented two scholarships annually to students as part of the Frick Technology Achievement Award. He recently presented two awards to students on Thursday, April 23 at SCC. His goal is to help clarify the major role that technology will play in our lives and to inspire commitment to the STEM career path and leave some life lessons on perseverance.

 

The Frick Technology Achievement Award acknowledges two Engineering and Computer Technologies students. Winners of the awards are students enrolled in one of the Engineering or Computer related programs who demonstrate outstanding creativity and technical competence. The $1,000 award for two students is presented annually. The 2026 recipients of the award are James McDougald and Chris Van Roosen, both of whom demonstrate outstanding performance and exemplify the caliber and determination fostered within the program.

 

McDougald, a Civil Engineering student pursuing a second career after earning a Mechanical Engineering degree from Richmond Community College, is recognized for his hard work, curiosity and thoughtful engagement in the classroom. Department Chair of Engineering and Construction Dr. Matthew Sheffield describes James as “a student who challenges his fellow classmates, and one who often challenges him as a professor, making the classroom a more dynamic place to learn.”

 

Van Roosen, a Computer Engineering Technology student, has distinguished himself through exceptional drive—earning all four available CET degrees and has already secured employment with FirstHealth in the biomedical field. He credits his success with faculty and staff who not only helped direct his future, but also cared tremendously, making Sandhills a great learning environment. The achievements of both McDougald and Van Roosen reflect both the rigor of Sandhills’ programs and the tangible opportunities they create for graduates entering today’s technology workforce.

 

Frick installed IBM's first worldwide online banking system and its first banking computer network during his tenure at IBM. He was elected President of IBM's 100% Club as the top computer salesman and was the General Manager and CEO of an IBM Independent Business Unit.

 

“I’ve worked hard in my career so I could give back to others,” said Frick who insists on being called “Ed”. “I was successful in sales because I always worked hard and knew my competitor’s products just as well as I knew my own.” He always wanted his customers to succeed – and his question to them was always ‘how can we help you?”

 

Ed grew up humbly outside of Chicago and knew he wanted to better himself. He boxed, played football and was a paratrooper in the military but relied on always having a “one, five and ten-year plan” for living. Having received a full scholarship to Harvard University after attending Saint Ambrose College, he knows full well the importance of opportunity coupled with hard work. Even though he readily says he was never the smartest among his peers, he worked the hardest to build his skill sets, market his value and the value of his team to others. “I just love to work. The Lord gave me talents and did not intend for me to sit around and not use them.” He still follows a daily regimen of 75 push-ups, 100 sit-ups and 600 stairs in eleven minutes each day to keep his mind and body in top shape.

 

Ed believes Sandhills Community College is a gem to the region and offers students the chance to build their skill sets and create a “five-year plan” toward growth and success. “The college is doing great things for its students. The students have to want a future as they mature and build their skills. They need to see the value in what they have to offer and build on it by planning. Anything is possible if they listen and learn, then apply themselves. Students need to be encouraged to apply themselves and not to get discouraged.”