Scholarship Winners - Consumers Credit Union

"Consumers Cooperative Association is delighted to announce the recipients of our 62 scholarships", according to Kathleen Crews, CCA Chairman. "Our scholarship program is centered on promoting the pursuit of higher education. We are pleased to offer these scholarships to assist students in reaching their educational and career objectives. We have high hopes for these students to achieve their dreams and become future leaders.”

2024 CCA Scholarship Recipients

High School Scholarship

Jessica Powell - Bill Reidel Scholarship

Major: Political Science

College/University: American University - Washington DC

I intend to continue my education by attending law school after earning my undergraduate degree. My desire to serve others motivated me to pursue an interest in law. I am committed to using my passion for justice to promote equality, fairness, and a better future for all. I would like to thank Consumers Cooperative Association and Consumer Credit Union for helping me reach my goals.

Fatima Banales

Major: Nursing

College/University: Hope College

I plan to major in Nursing and minor in business. After I graduate, I wish to travel the world and help non-profit organizations.

Michael Cassidy

Major: Industrial Design

College/University: Harper Community College

I want to grow my art skills through college and become an industrial designer. I hope that my education will help me achieve this goal.

Raeanna Davis

Major: Business Administration

College/University: Murray State University

I will major in Business Administration and minor in Real Estate. Although I am still unsure of exactly what career I'd like to pursue, I hope that my time at Murray State will help me find my passion. I am excited to meet new people and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Violetta Fajardo

Major: English - Pre-Law

College/University: The University of Southern California

I aim to learn and acquire diverse skills, strengthen my current abilities in preparation for law school, and pursue a career as a criminal prosecutor to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves.

Lauren Graham

Major: Economics and Political Science

College/University: University of Wisconsin - Madison

I plan to pursue law school and become a healthcare or corporate attorney. I want to fight for justice, provide a voice, and advocate for those who need it most. In doing so, I hope to leave a lasting impact on my community and be a changemaker today and tomorrow, offering a precedent for the next generation to do the same.

Bridget Graham

Major: Human Resource Management

College/University: University of Iowa

My personal and educational goals are to graduate in four years or less and secure a job at a company that is the right fit for me.

Kelly Hammaren

Major: Political Science

College/University: Montana State University

I plan on attending Montana State University this fall as a political science major with a minor in global studies. I hope to later attend law school and work to bring justice to underrepresented communities.

Grace James

Major: Secondary Music Education

College/University: Concordia University - Wisconsin

I aim to become a middle or high school choir director. During my college years, I also hope to work as a worship leader at a church, using my talents to glorify God. In the summer, I work at Bible Camp. The experience will help me develop my skills as a counselor and learn to work effectively with children, guiding them to learn, grow, and build a relationship with Jesus.

Jake Jurkacek

Major: Finance

College/University: North Central College

I will be playing baseball and majoring in Finance. Before graduation, I plan to obtain my Bloomberg certification, which will enable me to acquire a challenging internship. I am excited to begin this new adventure.

Aidan Kelly

Major: Aerospace Engineering

College/University: Iowa State University

I plan to study to become an aerospace engineer. In the future, I hope to help develop the next generation of technology for space studies at NASA.

Zachary Langhoff

Major: Contemporary Writing and Production

College/University: The Berklee College of Music

My excitement about attending Berklee is fueled by my desire to become a better, more versatile musician. Studying music writing and production has interested me for a long time, and being able to pursue that alongside a multitude of other talents sounds like an incredible experience.

Makenzie Leszczewicz

Major: Forensic Science

College/University: Loyola University Chicago

I chose the field of forensics because I want to utilize my academic strengths in math and science, coupled with my strong analytical and critical thinking skills, so I can pursue a career with the FBI, fulfilling their mission of protecting the American people and upholding the Constitution.

Mariah Levendoski

Major: Studio Arts

College/University: Illinois State University

I aim to complete all four years at ISU, get good grades, build strong personal and business connections, and make memories. Along with my degree, I plan to minor in marketing and entrepreneurship with the hope of finding an enjoyable and successful career.

Kaytlynn Lynd

Major: Nursing

College/University: University of Louisville Kentucky

I plan on getting my bachelor’s in nursing, working in an ER as a trauma nurse, and eventually becoming a nurse practitioner.

Valerie Martinez

Major: Forensic Science (Biochemistry)

College/University: College of Lake County

I plan to double major with a minor (forensic, psychology, and French) and serve my country by pursuing my career as a 13J (fire control specialist) in the Army National Guard.

Aedan Mayschak

Major: Economics

College/University: University of Illinois - Champaign

I plan on majoring in economics to gain hard arbitration skills and quantitative reasoning skills, which will prove helpful to my future career. I plan on entering either the public or private sector and having the opportunity to address real-world economic problems through my work.

Maurya McKenzie

Major: Graphic Design

College/University: Cecil College

My goal is to attend Cecil College, obtain my associate's degree in graphic design, and build connections that can potentially lead to a future career. I also aim to be more involved in club activities to develop personal connections.

Michael O’Connor

Major: Canfield Business Honors and Finance

College/University: University of Texas at Austin

While at UT Austin, my focus will be pursuing a major in Finance complemented by a minor in business Analytics. Looking ahead, my career aspirations center around entering the fields of investment banking or trading.

Saniya Patel

Major: Biology

College/University: University of Illinois - Champaign

By pursuing a degree in biology, I plan to enter the field of dentistry. As a dentist, I want to enhance my communication skills to form an ever-lasting connection with my patients, making them feel comfortable and satisfied.

Annabelle Rockman

Major: Psychology

College/University: University of South Florida

My educational goals are to get a bachelor's and then a master's degree in psychology. My career goal is to become a social worker, a mental health counselor, or a child psychologist.

Samahith Seetharam

Major: Systems Engineering and Design

College/University: University of Illinois - Champaign

In the future and in my career, I want to leverage computing and science for educational reform. I've had the privilege of attending high-quality schooling throughout my life, and I'm passionate about extending help to those who need it. I believe AI and social philosophy can work in harmony to provide a solution to this, and I can't wait to explore it in the future.

Emma Stewart

Major: Biology

College/University: University of Memphis

I plan to pursue a pre-med degree to become a Physician's assistant. Helping people has always been my goal, and I plan to continue doing so as long as I'm alive.

Benjamin Victor

Major: Business Finance

College/University: University of Dayton

My goal for the next four years is to learn as much as possible from my peers, whether that be from college, work, or studying abroad. I plan on majoring in business and hope to have my own business one day.

Clarissa Villalobos

Major: Pulmonary

College/University: College of Lake County

One of my educational goals is to complete my general education classes at CLC and then transfer to a University. One of my career goals is to become a Pulmonary Therapist Technician.

Ryan Walsh

Major: Mechanical Engineering

College/University: University of Indianapolis

I aim to graduate from the University of Indianapolis in four years or less. I also plan to play soccer there, and my goal is to be a starter on the team by my junior year. Lastly, I would like to graduate with at least a 3.5 GPA and secure an internship before my junior year begins.

Brianna Wellington

Major: Health Science

College/University: DePaul University

My future goal is to become a pediatric nurse, focusing on working extensively with patients with chronic illnesses. Throughout my life, I have personally faced chronic illnesses, and I aim to reach out to students and adults to educate and raise awareness about how chronic illnesses can affect individuals.

Yasmin Whitfield

Major: Biology (Pre-Medicine)

College/University: City Colleges of Chicago - Wilbur Wright

During my time in high school, I had several chances to teach children and gain knowledge in the medical field. I hope to pursue a career as a pediatrician or pediatric psychiatrist in the future. I am blessed to have been offered a spot on Wilbur Wright's collegiate volleyball team.

Tuff Woodruff

Major: Computer Engineering

College/University: Ohio Northern University

Educationally, I strive to engage in continuous learning to stay ahead of emerging trends, while my career goal is to apply this expertise in developing innovative solutions that positively impact society. As a

computer engineer, I aim to advance my knowledge in software development and systems architecture to create robust and efficient solutions to complex technological challenges.

Catherine Zelker

Major: Finance

College/University: University of Illinois, Champaign

My personal goal is to create meaningful interactions, build respect and empathy, and form new relationships. I aim to gain knowledge and experience as a financial analyst in data science, advance to senior positions, and take on greater responsibilities and leadership roles.

Undergraduate Scholarships

Kimberly Kolodziej - Gahart Silvola Recipient

Major:Physical Education Teacher/Education

College/University: Illinois State University

My current education goals include getting my major in physical education with a health endorsement so that I can become a high school gym teacher. I would like to finish my bachelor's degree within the next two years, and then I may go on to get my master's so that I can work in the health field.

Kaija Briedis - Dorotha Betke Recipient

Major: Sociology and minoring in Criminal Justice

College/University: Elmhurst University

My goal is to explore various options and find my ideal place within the Criminal Justice field. Meanwhile, I will strive to maintain straight A’s and earn an overall GPA of 4.0.

Catherine Delaney

Major: Biochemistry

College/University: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Although I'm unsure of the direction in which I will take my degree, I want to use medical knowledge to help others. At this time, I am most interested in cancer research and hope to continue my education in a more specialized direction.

Mitchell Goodman

Major: Kinesiology Pre PT

College/University: University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee

My goals include continuing to play soccer in college and volunteering when possible. My educational and career goals include graduating with my undergraduate degree in Kinesiology from UW-Milwaukee and attending PT school to become a licensed physical therapist. I want to work in orthopedic rehab and live in downtown Chicago.

Roberto Guzman

Major: Cybersecurity

College/University: Loyola University

I aim to graduate from Loyola University and enter the cybersecurity field as a SOC Analyst. I want to help people protect themselves on the internet and from constantly evolving technology.

Trinity Hutson

Major: Game Design

College/University: Bradley University

I aspire to tell stories through my work that leave a lasting impact on those who engage with them. After graduating, I hope to eventually open my own studio to have the freedom to fully realize the creative vision of each project.

Reese Katovich

Major: Biology, Neuroscience, & Psychology

College/University: Butler University

As an incoming junior, I have two more years left at Butler University, and I strive to remain at the top of my class and graduate with honors. After college, I plan on attending a graduate program in Neuropsychology with the end goal of being a Pediatric Clinical Neuropsychologist.

Andrea Kidd

Major: Associate's Pre Engineering

College/University: Utah Valley University

I lost my job after working 12 years as a technician/designer in engineering without a degree. I realized that I needed a degree to stand out in the competitive job market and secure a higher-paying job to support my large family as a single mom.

Brayan Larrota

Major: Mechanical Engineering

College/University: Milwaukee School of Engineering

My personal goal is to finish my college career and become a knowledgeable and well-rounded mechanical engineer. In doing so, I hope to serve as a role model for others who have overcome challenges and demonstrate that with determination and hard work, anything is possible.

Greta Mounce

Major: Animal Behavior and Psychology

College/University: Carroll University

I am happy to continue my education and pursue my dream of becoming a service dog trainer. My goal is to create special bonds between dogs and people because service dogs help so many people get through their daily lives, and I want to be able to contribute to that!

Vincent Rodkey

Major: Nursing

College/University: Northern Michigan University

I plan to finish my Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Northern Michigan University and begin working in an intensive care unit. After 2-4 years of work, I want to return to school and get my nurse practitioner degree.

Steven Sbarounis

Major: Management Information System

College/University: Iowa State University

I aim to use my passion for technology and communication to create innovative solutions that enhance business processes. My educational goals include obtaining a degree in Management Information Systems to build a foundation for my career.

Nathan Spohnholtz

Major: Material Science and Engineering

College/University: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

I am excited to continue studying materials engineering this fall as a sophomore at UIUC. I intend to focus my studies on electronic/semiconductors or biomaterials and hope to continue these studies into graduate school. After college, I plan to conduct research in a biomaterials lab using nanomaterials.

Syler Stewart

Major: Nursing

College/University: University of Memphis

My goals are to be a kind and caring person and make a positive impact in the world. As a nurse, I can do this daily through hard work, doing my best, and remembering my purpose. I also want a happy family to which I can devote myself. Balancing my nursing career with devoting myself to my loved ones is important to me.

Matthew Swolsky

Major: Audio Engineering

College/University: Indiana University-Bloomington

I wish to continue my educational journey, learning not only the musical but also the technical side of the recording industry. My goal is to work in music, whether that be in live concerts or in the studio. I would also like to continue to pursue my own projects on the side with various musicians I have met along the way.

Emely Villalobos

Major: Nursing

College/University: University of Wisconsin- Parkside

For the past three years, I have been working as a Certified Nursing Assistant, which has solidified my passion for health care. My biggest goal is to become a pediatric nurse and continue making a difference in my community.

Student Loan Scholarship

The scholarship was open to eligible members burdened with student loan debt. It aims to relieve the financial strain by assisting members who have graduated, entered the workforce, and still have outstanding student loans to repay.