HPU’s newest cohort of students represents a wide variety of academic achievement, service, backgrounds, cultures and geographic locations. David Garborcauskas, or David Garbo as he prefers, has a unique background in NASCAR; find out below how his racing ties led him to establish his own foundation for students with non-traditional learning styles.
Name: David Garbo, Jr.
Hometown: Stonington, Connecticut
High school attended: The Forman School in Litchfield, Connecticut
Accomplishments: Garbo is a well-decorated NASCAR driver. He began racing at 7 years old. At 13, he moved into the Legends Car series, where he secured the National Championship with over 50 wins in 70 races. From there, he raced in the NASCAR Whelen All American Series with Marcos Ambrose Motorsport. After racing in that series for four years, he moved up to the K&N Pro Series – NASCAR’s first semi-premier league – where now races for Whelen Motorsports/Whelen Engineering. Garbo also enjoys aviation in his spare time since receiving his Private Pilot License last summer.
“Growing up racing seems like it would be all play, but with the rigorous travel schedules for races and practices, it was also a lot of work. I began to get paid at a young age, and quickly realized that money was not something I truly needed as I still lived with my parents when I was in town. My mother and I came up with the idea to start a foundation. We created the David Garbo Jr. Fund to help benefit students with non-traditional learning styles and learning differences like dyslexia and ADD/ADHD. I grew up working around my learning difference of dyslexia, so I know how hard it is at times to learn without a tutor. My foundation funds young students that see a need for tutoring and extra help.”
Major: Strategic Communication
Why you chose HPU: “HPU has been a goal of mine for the longest time. I visited over five years ago with a friend’s older brother and felt at home on campus. The faculty is nice and everyone is welcoming!”
What you’re looking forward to at HPU: “Learning NEW things! In high school, I felt that everyone was learning the same things all because we were forced to. At HPU, we are given the option to learn what we are interested in. I’m excited for that.”