2021 Corporate Giving and Personal Give Grants

October 19, 2021
These students each received a $1,000 grant made available by PNC.

Megan M. Bliss 
District 4000-Sokol USA
Early Childhood Education

James P. Stenske
District 510-Toledo, OH
Biomechanical Engineering
University of Iowa

Nicholas W. Walters
District 999-National
Biology/Pre-Dental
University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Joelle M. Beaumariage
District 999-National
Business

Riana Wilsie
District 361-Barberton, OH
Business Sustainability
Arizona State University

These students each received a $1,000 grant made available by Grant Thornton, LLP.

Fiorella Marina V. Nicoloso
District 999-National
Public Heath/Infectious Disease & Microbiology
University of Pittsburgh

Emily C. Walko
District 4000-Sokol, USA
Music/Business
Belmont University

These students each received a $500 grant made available by the following sponsors. 

First Consulting
Sydney M. McCall
District 291-Summerhill, PA
Communication Science & Disorders

Parkway Advisors
Elizabeth R. Naser
District 3000-HRFA
Early Childhood Education
University of Pittsburgh

Miller & Newberg Consulting Actuaries
Jacob M. Konopsky
District 4000-Sokol, USA
Integrated Media & Strategic Communications
Mercyhurst University

The Musuneggi Financial Group
Stephanie L. Angle
District 2000-ULS
Accounting
Wake Forest University

Hoffman Murtaugh
Matthew P. Mealwitz
District 2000-ULS
Business Management
Ashland University

This student received a $250 grant made available by Willis Towers Watson, in addition to a $500 grant from the GBU Foundation.

Katherine A. Walco
District 4000-Sokol USA
Mathematics & Secondary Education
James Madison University

These students received a $500 grant made available by the personal donations of those listed.

James R. Stoker Memorial Education Grant
Matthew S. Moran
District 999-National
Exploratory Fine Arts/Business
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

John P. Albright Grant
Devon R. Watz
District 2000-ULS
Communications

Former District 496-Gill Hall, PA Education Grant
Dylan T. Cannon
District 684-Pittsburgh, PA
Civil Engineering
Geneva College

Former District 491-Granite City, IL Grants
Brandon P. Hines
District 999-National
Safety Management
Slippery Rock University

James E. Lockwood
District 3000-HRFA
Biblical and Theological Studies
Cedarville University

James R. Stoker Higher Education Grants

Dylan W. DeDominicis
District 999-National
Information Systems & Technology/Supply Chain Management
Duquesne University

Ethan M. Gamble
District 684-Pittsburgh, PA
Unknown
Naval Academy Preparatory School

Abigail M. Gonzalez
District 999-National
Industrial Engineering
University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Garrett W. Gresh
District 510-Toledo-OH
Elementary Education & Math
Saginaw State University

Anna M. Jurkovich
District 810-Cleveland, OH
Finance
Unknown College

Tye G. Orosz
District 291-Summerhill, PA
Unknown Major
Unknown College

Courtney R. Pier
District 2000-ULS
Recreational Therapy
Slippery Rock University

Samantha M. Pracko
District 4000, Sokol USA
Criminal Justice
University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Alaina G. Sommerstorfer
District 821, Sterling Heights, MI
Animal Behavior, Ecology & Conservation
Canisius College

Angela M. Wharton
District 45, Altoona, PA
English
Saint Francis University


August 31, 2026
September marks National Life Insurance Awareness month and GBU Life is partnering with Optimity to bring our members a financial wellness check-in.
By Mary Koczan and Laqueeta Coleman August 28, 2026
District 684 Brentwood, Pennsylvania and District 699 Frankenmuth, Michigan
August 26, 2026
A Life Dedicated to Heritage, Fellowship, and Service
August 24, 2026
The GBU Life Scholarship Awards support students in college, trade programs, non-college programs, and graduate school, helping them achieve their dreams, setting them on a career path and realizing life goals. Since its founding, the GBU Foundation has awarded 4,500 scholarships and educational grants totaling more than $3.2 million. In 2025, 215 members received $226,000 to support their two‑year, four‑year and graduate studies. Here’s a look at where the rubber meets the road — as we check in on past grantees to see how their scholarship awards have helped them stay on course, where they are now, and where they hope to be in the future.
August 17, 2026
To celebrate our 134th anniversary, GBU Life launched the Birthday Bash initiative, calling upon the GBU Life community to honor our fraternal legacy through service. GBU Life invited members, producers, and community leaders to assemble and deliver shelf-stable cake kits for individuals and families who may otherwise go without a birthday celebration. What can seem like a simple act of service could be the spark of hope someone needed.
August 13, 2026
GBU Life is expanding the power of your member benefits with an enhancement to LawAssure, the easy‑to‑use online service that helps you prepare essential legal documents from home.
August 11, 2026
A guide for navigating miscarriage, stillbirth, and the grief that follows.
July 30, 2026
There’s something about summer that makes even the simplest meal feel like a celebration.
July 27, 2026
Summer vacation is an exciting time packed with trips, camps, and sports, but we’ve all reached that point where we hear those dreaded words: “I’m bored!” With GBU Life’s Give Back Group benefit, you can keep your family busy while helping others without the pressure of covering project costs.
July 23, 2026
It is time, once again, for the GBU Life annual summer photo contest! Send us your favorite photo that depicts the contest theme, The Golden Hour.