KCCU is proud to support the educational goals of local students through its 2025 KCCU Scholarship program. This year, KCCU awarded ten outstanding members with $2,000 scholarships to help cover tuition costs at accredited colleges and universities across Michigan. By investing in the academic futures of its members, KCCU continues its commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders and professionals.
KCCU would like to congratulate these ten deserving recipients, who each demonstrated a strong commitment to furthering their education and improving their communities:
Alex Lutgring is a 2025 Pennfield High School graduate. During high school he was part of the Pennfield Student Athlete Leadership Council, LINK, and National Honor Society. He played football, basketball, was on the track & field team, and participated in other sports during his high school career. Alex plans to attend Calvin University to continue playing football and to pursue a degree in Finance, with a minor in Data Analytics or Supply Chain Management.
Colton Beard is a 2025 Harper Creek High School graduate. He also attended the Battle Creek Area Math & Science Center. He was an active member of the National Honor Society and the varsity golf team, where he served as team captain the last two years. Throughout his time in high school, he volunteered his free time to the local Charitable Union and the First Tee Program. Colton plans to attend Davenport University to pursue a degree in Nursing.
David Shen is a 2025 Portage Northern High School graduate. During high school he was on the Stryke Force Robotics team and was a Sizzlin’ Summer teaching assistant, where he severed as a mentor and assisted K-12 students in STEM skills. David plans to attend the University of Michigan to pursue a degree in Computer Science, specializing in Computer Vision.
Dominic Lowrie is a 2025 Harper Creek High School graduate. He was a member of the National Honor Society and participated in both cross country and track, where he also served as a team captain. For the past four years he worked at Wattles Park Men’s Club organizing youth sports and was a volunteer coach for soccer and basketball. Dominic plans to attend Michigan Technological University to pursue a degree in Exercise Science and Kinesiology.
Karlee Gutsue is a 2025 Lakeview High School graduate. She was a member of the National Honor Society and a four-year DECA participant where she held numerous leadership positions. She played multiple sports, including volleyball, tennis and basketball, where she was a team captain for two years. She also participated on the MIT Lemelson InvenTeam where students invent a product to make a positive change in the world. Karlee plans to attend Michigan State University to pursue a degree in either Management or Finance.
Lillian Daniel is a 2025 Lakeview High School graduate. During high school she was a member of the National Honor Society and the Spartanaires Show Choir. She was a Robotics coach and active member of the Art Club where she held multiple leadership roles. She has played the piano for 11 years and enjoys performing at local nursing homes. Lillian plans to attend the College of Creative Studies to pursue Animation and obtain a degree in Fine Arts.
Madison Berry is a 2021 Marshall High School graduate. During high school she was a member of the National Honor Society and dual enrolled at Kellogg Community College. In her free time, she is a part of the creative club in Marshall and volunteers at the recreation department. Madison is currently a senior at Western Michigan University, pursuing a degree in Psychology.
Morgan Beehler is a 2022 Schoolcraft High School graduate. She is currently involved with the Digital Marketing RSO at WMU and would love to pursue a career in Digital Marketing. Morgan is currently a senior at Western Michigan University, pursuing a degree in Marketing.
Natalie Hensel is a 2025 Pennfield High School graduate. Throughout high school she was on the track and field, basketball, and volleyball teams. She served as a captain for two- years on both the basketball and volleyball team. She was part of the National Honor Society and served on their executive committee as Sergeant at Arms. In her free time, she teaches Sunday School and volunteers with the American Red Cross. Natalie plans to attend Calvin University to pursue a degree in Environmental Science and Engineering.
Ryan Friedmann is a 2025 Portage Central High School graduate. During high school he was on the track and cross country teams. This past winter he helped fundraise to support a local neighborhood that was hit by a tornado. He also volunteers at WoodsEdge Learning Center and enjoys doing activities with the students. Ryan plans to attend Michigan State University or Central Michigan University to pursue a degree in Pre-Med into Dentistry.
"At KCCU, we believe that education is the foundation of strong communities and a vital investment in the future. This year, we continue to be inspired by the drive and compassion shown by these outstanding scholarship recipients," said Tracy Miller, CEO of Kellogg Community Credit Union. "These exceptional students have demonstrated not only academic excellence but also a deep commitment to giving back to their communities. We are proud to support their educational journeys and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make in the years ahead."
The KCCU Scholarship Program was established to assist their members who are planning to attend or currently attend an accredited Michigan college or university or are working towards a certification or degree program in the trades at state supported community colleges. 2025 marks the thirty-seventh year of KCCU’s scholarship program, and since its inception they have awarded roughly $205,000 to local students. KCCU’s Board of Directors, Management, and Staff congratulate the 2025 scholarship winners, and thank the many other exceptional students who applied.
