DCUC announced the recipients of the 2021 GEM Scholarship during their Defense Matters Webinar: April Bitler, Kirtland FCU; Levi Brunmaier, Sentinel FCU; Ashleigh Sanford, Cedar Point FCU; and Amy Shuey, America’s CU. Each of the winners will receive a $3,500 scholarship to help them further their credit union education and professional development.
April Bitler serves as the Base and Community Relations Officer at Kirtland FCU. She works to develop and maintain relationships with Kirtland AFB and other defense organizations. She will be using her scholarship to attend the DCUC Annual Conference and shared that she applied for the scholarship, because “Learning is forever! Part of the Kirtland FCU mission is to empower members and their families to reach financial independence through education and to support lifelong learning. The GEM scholarship will help us be even better equipped, through our own education, to guide and give back to our members for years to come.”
Levi Brunmaier is the VP Risk Management Officer for Sentinel FCU. In this role, he implements the risk and compliance program for the credit union. He will be using his scholarship to attend the Risk Management School – Foundational Course this August.
Ashleigh Sanford works as the Titles and Insurance CCR at Cedar Point FCU. Her role includes processing all chattel loan title and insurance documentation, though she has worked in several areas of the credit union during her tenure. The scholarship will help pay for classes for her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus.
Amy Shuey is the Director of Marketing at America’s CU. As the Director of Marketing, she oversees military and community relations, marketing and public relations, and member experience. Her scholarship will be used to attend the CUNA Member Experience Virtual School.
The George E. Myers Scholarship was established in 1996 in honor of Col. George E. Myers, USA (Ret.). Since then, DCUC has awarded 61 scholarships totaling over $180,000. These scholarships have provided members with opportunities to pursue educational opportunities at little or no cost to their credit union.