Iowa Credit Union Foundation awards $46,000 to scholarship winners
Doubles scholarship pledge due to record-breaking number of applications
DES MOINES, IOWA (April 24, 2024) —
The Iowa Credit Union Foundation (ICUF), the philanthropic arm of the Iowa Credit Union League (ICUL), doubled its Warren A. Morrow Memorial scholarship pledge to recipients this year due to a record-breaking number of applicants. With the support of Iowa credit unions, ICUF awarded eight more high school scholarships and four more post-high school scholarships than in previous years, totaling a first-ever award amount of $46,000 to 24 students.
“With the help of our Iowa credit union partners, Affiliates Management Company (AMC) and its family of companies, ICUF could proudly double its scholarship pledge to recipients this year,” said Marian Holmes, Board Chair of ICUF. “It is our passion to continue serving our community of credit union partners and helping champion financial well-being for all.”
Warren A. Morrow dedicated his life and career to helping the undeserved and empowering the Hispanic community. To honor Warren’s legacy, the Iowa Credit Union Foundation provides scholarships to Iowa credit union members through the Warren A. Morrow Memorial Scholarship program. Last year, $23,000 was awarded to 12 high school and post-high school students pursuing further education.
“The Iowa Credit Union Foundation is grateful for the additional support from our amazing Iowa credit union partners,” said Ena Babic Barnes, Executive Director, ICUF. “By doubling our commitment to Iowa credit union members, we can continue strengthening the financial lives of Iowans and celebrate those who passionately lead by the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people’.”
The 16 high school senior recipients are:
- $3,000 to Lakin Bruns, a member of Cedar Falls Community Credit Union and a graduating senior at Cedar Falls High School, Cedar Falls, IA
- $3,000 to Natalia Guerra-Ceron, a member of Greater Iowa Credit Union and a graduating senior at North High School, Des Moines, IA
- $3,000 to John Myers a member of Power Co-op Employees Credit Union and a graduating senior at Humboldt High School, Hardy, IA
- $3,000 to Nathan Deeds, a member of Serve Credit Union and a graduating senior at Williamsburg High School, Williamsburg, IA
- $2,000 to Connor Davison, a member of Dupaco Community Credit Union and a graduating senior at Dubuque Senior High School, Dubuque, IA
- $2,000 to Kimbree Callahan, a member of DuTrac Community Credit Union and a graduating senior at Bettendorf High School, Bettendorf, IA
- $2,000 to Aidan Perez, a member of GreenState Union and a graduating senior at Abraham Lincoln High School, Council Bluffs, IA
- $2,000 to Zachary McMillian, a member of IH Mississippi Valley Credit Union and a graduating senior at North Scott Community School, Long Grove, IA
- $1,500 to Emma Holmes, a member of 1st Gateway Credit Union and a graduating senior at Central DeWitt High School, Grand Mound, IA
- $1,500 to Gwyneth Utterback, a member of Community 1st Credit Union and a graduating senior at Oskaloosa Senior High School, Eddyville, IA
- $1,500 to Annabelle Neal a member of First Federal Credit Union and a graduating senior at Xavier High School, Marion, IA
- $1,500 to Kendall Cortelyou, a member of Veridian Credit Union and a graduating senior at Denver High School, Denver, IA
- $1,000 to Malia Whisler, a member of Affinity Credit Union and a graduating senior at Saydel High School, Ankeny, IA
- $1,000 to Aryanna Backer, a member of Financial Plus Credit Union and a graduating senior at Norwalk High School, Norwalk, IA
- $1,000 to Kate Richards, a member of GreenState Credit Union and a graduating senior at Solon High School, Solon, IA
- $1,000 to Landon Migawa, a member of RIA Federal Credit Union and a graduating senior at Davenport West High School, Blue Grass, IA
The 8 post-high school recipients are:
- $2,000 to Kaitlyn Evers, member of 1st Gateway Credit Union who currently attends University of Iowa
- $2,000 to Tyler Danitz, a member of Affinity Credit Union who currently attends Des Moines Area Community College
- $2,000 to Rachel Halbach, a member of Citizens Community Credit Union who currently attends Iowa Central Community College
- $2,000 to Hannah Quinones, a member of Dupaco Community Credit Union who currently attends Loras College
- $2,000 to Quentin Hill, a member of Serve Credit Union who currently attends University of Iowa
- $2,000 to Emily Clemen, a member of Linn Area Credit Union who currently attends Iowa State University
- $2,000 to Ashlyn Keve, a member of Unite Credit Union who currently attends Hawkeye Community College
- $2,000 to Dayana Marinero Cea, a member of Veridian Credit Union who currently attends Des Moines Area Community College
Applicants completed an online entry form and answered an essay question. This year’s question was:
As cooperative community organizations, one of the principles at the heart of the credit union movement is concern for community. What does community mean to you? How have you served your community, and how do you see your credit union working in your community? Consider sharing personal examples and experiences.
About Iowa Credit Union League
Founded in 1995 as the philanthropic arm of the Iowa Credit Union League (ICUL), ICUF’s mission is guided by the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people’. Guided by this philosophy ICUF works to champion financial well-being for all. For more information, visit www.IowaCreditUnionFoundation.org.
