Fitzsimons Credit Union Awards $5,000 in Scholarships to Denver-Area Students

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on August 6, 2024

Fitzsimons Credit Union, which serves the Colorado communities of the Denver metro area, believes that education has the power to transform communities and is pleased to announce the 2024 recipients of the Sandra B. Neves Scholarship.   

Established by the board of directors and supported by the credit union, the scholarship is named in honor of former CEO Sandra Neves and was founded after her retirement in 2017.  Neves has always been passionate about higher education asserting that “lifelong learning is essential to success and happiness, combined with integrity, upstanding character, and continuous personal and spiritual development, education is your key to a joyful life.”   

“We are incredibly proud to reveal this year’s scholarship recipients, continuing our dedication to support the educational journey of tomorrow’s leaders in the community,” said Fitzsimons’ current President and CEO, Robert M. Fryberger Jr. 

This year’s scholarship recipients were chosen based upon academic achievement, career aspirations, community service, extracurricular participation, and financial need. They received equal amounts, totaling $5,000 in awarded scholarships.  The awardees are: 

 LeAnn Anderson is pursuing a degree in Accounting at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Driven by a desire for excellence, she remains focused on her goals and is inspired to give back to others in the future. LeAnn believes this scholarship is not just an investment in her, but in what she can contribute back to society. 

Ciara Andrew is pursuing an accelerated dual-degree program in Operations Management at the University of Alabama, working towards both her bachelor’s and master’s degree simultaneously.  Her instructor proudly states, “Ciara’s desire to learn and challenge herself is inspiring. She is always working to be better both in and out of the classroom to prepare herself for a career within the healthcare industry.” 

Stephen Asante will be a freshman at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and will be pursuing a degree in Business Administration.  Among his career aspirations, he wants to establish a foundation for eager future business professionals.  An advanced placement instructor commented, “In my ten years of teaching, I have rarely encountered a student as focused and committed to mastering the course content.” 

Jessica Hawkins is pursuing a degree in Dental Hygiene at the Community College of Denver. Despite financial sacrifices and prioritizing her family’s needs, Jessica remained determined to attend college. A colleague described her as having a “deep-seated desire to make a meaningful difference,” which has shaped her focus on public health, where she aspires to significantly contribute to her community’s well-being. 

Holly Schwiem is completing a degree in Early Childhood Education at Metropolitan State University with plans to graduate in May 2025. She aims to teach at a local elementary school while continuing her studies to obtain a master’s degree. Holly hopes to inspire her students to value their education and seize the opportunities it provides.    

Posted in Colorado, Regional Member News.