DES MOINES, IA (May 1, 2025) |
The Iowa Credit Union Foundation (ICUF) is proud to announce the 2025 recipients of its Warren A. Morrow scholarship, highlighting its continued dedication to supporting students in their educational journeys. Following a record number of applicants this year, ICUF’s Board of Directors has reaffirmed its commitment to doubling the scholarship amounts awarded, a decision first made last year.
Warren A. Morrow committed his life and career to serving underserved communities and uplifting the Hispanic population. To honor Warren's legacy, the Iowa Credit Union Foundation awards scholarships to Iowa credit union members through the Warren A. Morrow Scholarship program. Last year, $46,000 was awarded to 24 high school and post-high school students pursuing further education.
"Thanks to the continued generosity of our Iowa credit unions, the Iowa Credit Union Foundation is able to continue to elevate the amount awarded to credit union members through the Warren A. Morrow scholarship program,” said Ena Babic Barnes, Executive Director of ICUF. “Celebrating 30 years of impact this year, ICUF is proud to continue to support and strengthen the financial lives of Iowans and invest in the future of Iowa credit union members."
The 16 high school senior recipients are:
- $3,000 to Hailey Mathews, a member of 5 Star Community Credit Union and a graduating senior at Mount Pleasant Community High School, Mt. Pleasant, IA
- $3,000 to Katlyn Bildstein, a member of GreenState Credit Union and a graduating senior at Prairie High School, Ely, IA
- $3,000 to Devan Riberdy, a member of I.H. Mississippi Valley Credit Union and a graduating senior at Davenport North High School, Blue Grass, IA
- $3,000 to Carson Staker, a member of Serve Credit Union and a graduating senior at Johnston High School, Johnston, IA
- $2,000 to Delaney Steenblock, a member of Corda Credit Union and a graduating senior at John F. Kennedy Senior High School, Cedar Rapids, IA
- $2,000 to Emma Molnar-Schlichtmann, a member of Dupaco Community Credit Union and a graduating senior at Oregon High School, Oregon, IL
- $2,000 to Gerald "Jerry" Callahan, a member of DuTrac Community Credit Union and a graduating senior at Bettendorf High School, Bettendorf, IA
- $2,000 to Brody Zinkula, a member of Power Co-op Employees Credit Union and a graduating senior at Grundy Center High School, Grundy Center, IA
- $1,500 to Caitlin Zuercher, a member of Collins Community Credit Union and a graduating senior at Thomas Jefferson High School, Cedar Rapids, IA
- $1,500 to Justine Lynn, a member of Community 1st Credit Union and a graduating senior at Waco High School, Brighton, IA
- $1,500 to Madelynne Broich, a member of Community Choice Credit Union and a graduating senior at Valley High School, Clive, IA
- $1,500 to Addison Happ, a member of Premier Credit Union and a graduating senior at North Polk High School, Polk City, IA
- $1,000 to Sophie Brown, a member of AIM Credit Union and a graduating senior at Burlington Community High School, Burlington IA
- $1,000 to Susana Ramos, a member of CENT Credit Union and a graduating senior at Gehlen Catholic School, Le Mars, IA
- $1,000 to Gabriel VanOtterloo, a member of First Federal Credit Union and a graduating senior at Spencer Community High School, Spencer, IA
- $1,000 to Matt Reifenstahl, a member of Veridian Credit Union and a graduating senior at Union High School, Dysart, IA
The eight post-high school recipients are:
- $2,000 to Nathalia Luna Basilio, member of GreenState Credit Union who currently attends University of Iowa
- $2,000 to Gabrielle Eirikson, member of Lennox Employees Credit Union who currently attends Iowa State University
- $2,000 to Grace Richardson, member of Midland Credit Union who currently attends Grand View University
- $2,000 to Sander Tompkins, member of North Iowa Community Credit Union who currently attends University of Northern Iowa
- $2,000 to Rachel Sporrer, member of Peoples Credit Union who currently attends University of Northern Iowa
- $2,000 to Keaton Ayers, member of R.I.A. Federal Credit Union who currently attends Illinois Central College
- $2,000 to Marley Radcliff, member of Telco Triad Community Credit Union who currently attends Northwest Iowa Community College
- $2,000 to Jasmine Reyes-Cosmen, member of Veridian Credit Union who currently attends Iowa State University
Applicants completed an online entry form and answered an essay question. This year’s question was:
Our financial experiences help shape our overall financial understanding and well-being. Share a financial lesson, event or experience that has influenced you or your family personally. If relevant, share how your credit union played a role. How will this experience impact your financial planning as you pursue higher education?
For the past 30 years, the Iowa Credit Union Foundation (ICUF) has worked to champion financial well-being for all Iowans. Since its founding in 1995 to aid in flood recovery efforts, ICUF has dedicated more than $4.8 million in programs, initiatives and grants throughout Iowa communities.