news-record.com

He only attended Oak Ridge Military Academy for one year, but Irvin Angel has spent his life giving back to his alma mater in memory of his father, who also attended the school.

Angel received the Oak Ridge Military Academy President's Award on April 26 for his outstanding service to the school.

"Over the years, Irvin has been very involved in the school. We are very proud of him and his accomplishments," said the academy's president, Col. Roy Berwick.

Angel's studies at the school were cut short when he was drafted during World War II, but as an adult, Angel formed the Academy's architectural committee.

That group led renovations of several buildings on the campus, including installing a science lab in the Belk Building, expanding the dining facility in White Dining Hall and paving sidewalks, curbing and guttering.

The committee was also responsible for the construction of the Bonner Field House and the Linville Infirmary.

Angel is also founder and chairman of the Oak Ridge Society Foundation, which has awarded more than $263,000 in scholarships to cadets at the school.

Angel said the Society Foundation is able to give scholarships because of generous donations from individuals, businesses and organizations.

The foundation also owns Oak Ridge Post Office on Linville Road.

The U.S. Postal Service's long-term lease with the foundation also helps fund scholarships.

"It has been a pleasure to be able to give back to Oak Ridge Military Academy," Angel said. "My father was a student there, and I really wanted to do this as a way to always remember him."

Contact Adria Hairston at 883-4422, Ext. 244 or adria.hairston@news-record.com