Ninety-seven-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, he has presented two scholarships to students as part of the Frick Technology Achievement Award annually. His goal is to help clarify the major role that technology will play in our lives, to inspire commitment to the STEM career path, and to leave some life lessons on perseverance.
Frick installed IBM’s first worldwide online banking system and its first banking computer network during his tenure at IBM. Frick was elected president of IBM’s 100% Club as the top computer salesperson 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 wanted my customers to succeed – my question to them always was ‘how can we help you?”
Frick grew up humbly outside Chicago and knew he wanted to better himself. He boxed, played football, and jumped out of airplanes with the military, but relied on a “five-year plan” for living. He readily says he was never the smartest among his peers, but most likely worked the hardest to build his skill sets, market his value, and the value of his team to others.
“I just love to work,” said Frick. “The Lord gave me talents and did not intend for me to sit around and not use them.”
Frick believes Sandhills Community College is a gem to the region and offers students the chance to jump in and build their skill sets and create a “five-year plan” toward growth and success.
“The college is doing great things for its students, and the students have to want a future as they mature and build their skills,” said Frick. “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 and then apply themselves. Students need to be encouraged to apply themselves and not to get discouraged.”
Each spring, the Sandhills Community College faculty identifies two outstanding students—one from the Computer Engineering Technology Program and one from the Information Technology Program at Sandhills. The $1,000 award for two students is presented each year along with recognition plaque by Frick in person with a reception surrounded by college faculty and staff.
The 2025 recipients include Brandon Burrow, Engineering Technology, and Eric Crandall, Computer Technology. These students demonstrate outstanding performance and the major opportunities in the STEM career pathways and commit to using this award to highlight the major impact that technology will have on every phase of their lives.
“Brandon is a highly engaged and diligent student who consistently demonstrates a strong capacity for learning and a commendable willingness to support his peers. He is frequently sought out by others for assistance, and he generously offers his time—even outside of his own academic responsibilities—to help those in need,” said Ed Spitler, Dean, Workforce and Applied Programs Distinguished Professor, Engineering and Construction Technologies. “Brandon embodies the qualities of dedication, humility, and perseverance. Though he may be quiet and reserved, he is steadfast and reliable in all that he does. His technical proficiency is especially noteworthy. Brandon’s character and capabilities position him as a student worthy of recognition and respect.”
Paul Steel, Professor/Coordinator for Computer Engineering Technology, Construction, described Eric Crandall as a dedicated student who is pursuing computer security as a profession.
“He has demonstrated a strong work ethic and a deep desire to learn as much as he can and develop skills that will open doors to a fulfilling career,” said Steel. “His peers and the faculty respect him because of his pleasant demeanor. In addition, he exhibits a helpful nature, and his willingness to share and participate in lectures, especially labs, is greatly appreciated by students and faculty alike.”
Crandall mentioned he is taking classes at another community college as well to pick up some additional courses toward cybersecurity for graduation and hopes to move on to UNC Charlotte to earn his bachelor’s degree this fall.
“Sandhills is the best, and I miss it when I’m elsewhere,” said Crandall. “All the faculty and staff are so helpful and really care about you and your next steps. It’s a great learning environment.”
To learn more about giving opportunities to support students and programs at Sandhills Community College, visit www.sandhills.edu/foundation.
Feature photo: Ed Frick, 97, congratulates student Brandon Burrow (green shirt), who was the recipient of his $1,000 scholarship gift to pursue technology and computer science. Joining them were L-R – Ed Spitler, Dean, Workforce and Applied Programs Distinguished Professor, Engineering and Construction Technologies, Matthew Sheffield, Professor for Engineering & Construction Technology & Interim Department Chair for Engineering, Construction, and Computer Technology and President Sandy Stewart.
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