2022 Scholarship & Grant Recipients

Oct 18, 2022

Congratulations to this year's group of students who have been awarded scholarships and grants from the GBU Scholarship Foundation.

2022 Freshman Scholarship Awards

These students each received a $1,500 GBU Foundation Scholarship.

McKenna Coots

District 999-National

Exercise/Therapeutic Science

Liberty University

Amber Cross

District 2000-ULS

Physical Therapy

Slippery Rock University

Kelby Dall

District 819-Milwaukee, WI

Early Childhood Education and History

University of Wisconsin - Madison

Bert Waltenberger Memorial Scholarship

Katie Davis

District 404-St. Louis, MO

Health Science

University of Florida

Amanda Dosey

District 630-Ann Arbor, MI

Nursing

University of Toledo

Croix M. Horsley

District 817-Philadelphia, PA

Economics

Vassar College

Alexander Jurkovich

District 810-Cleveland, OH

Human Biology

University of Southern California

Preston Korytkowski

District 707-Grand Rapids, MI

Computer Science

Michigan State University

Bence Kovacs

District 3000-HRFA

Civil Engineering

Northeastern University

Abigail Miller

District 684-Pittsburgh, PA

Mechanical Engineering

University of Rochester

Magdalena Miller

District 684-Pittsburgh, PA

Chemical Engineering

University of Pennsylvania

Caroline Peek

District 815-Dayton, OH

Early Childhood Education

Bowling Green State University

2022 Clarence O. Affelt Architecture/Fine Art Memorial Scholarship

This student received a $1,000 scholarship.

Luke Brickley

District 146-Johnstown, PA

Engineering

Pennsylvania College of Technology

2022 Undergraduate Scholarship Awards

These students each received a $1,000 GBU Foundation Scholarship.

Antonio Campitell

District 999-National

Exercise Physiology

Saint Francis University

Dylan DeDominicis

District 999-National

Business

Duquesne University

Nicole Faulhaber

District 999-National

Marketing

University of Akron

Benjamin Ferrara

District 2000-ULS

Computer and Information Technology

University of Colorado - Colorado Springs

Klayton Hacker

District 999-National

Computer Science

University of Cincinnati

Brandon Himes

District 999-National

Safety Management

Slippery Rock University of Pennsylvania

Anna Jurkovich

District 810-Cleveland, OH

Finance

Indiana University

Jacob Konopski

District 4000-SOKOL USA

Integrated Media and Strategic Communication

Mercyhurst University

Matthew Mealwitz

District 2000-ULS

Business Management

Ashland University

Benjamin Tarkanyi

District 3000-HRFA

Mechanical Engineering

Lawrence Technological University

2022 Graduate Scholarship Awards

These students each received a $1,000 GBU Foundation Scholarship.

Annaliese Bangert

District 999-National

Nursing

Spring Arbor University

Lisa Freeman

District 999-National

Advanced Practice Nurse

Cedarville University

Makayla Himes

District 999-National

Doctor of Occupational Therapy

Chatham University

Emily Jadin

District 999-National

Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies

Carroll University

Ian Kelly

District 2000-ULS

MFA in Documentary Media

Northwestern University

Caitlin Ulrich

District 684-Pittsburgh

Occupational Therapy

Duquesne University

Two-Year Scholarships

These students each received a $1,000 GBU Foundation scholarship.

Kayley Monro

District 999-National

Psychology

Community College of Allegheny County

Mackenzie Stinson

District 999-National

Horticulture

Fox Valley Technical College

Scholarship Renewals

Freshman Renewals ($1,500)

Madison Ancosky

District 4000-SOKOL USA

Industrial Engineering

West Virginia University

Devin Borowski

District 999-National

Real Estate

University of Wisconsin - Madison

Bert Waltenberger Memorial Scholarship

Michael Alex Bradley

District 684-Pittsburgh, PA

Aeronautics

Kent State University

Peter Carozza

District 171-Pittsburgh, PA

Mechanical Engineering

Pennsylvania State University

Marissa Collins

District 999-National

Accounting

Robert Morris University

Nicholas Doman

District 630-Ann Arbor, MI

Biochemistry

Trinity University

Lindsey Dugan

District 3000-HRFA

Early Education and Special Education

Slippery Rock University

Jordan Fairman

District 4000-SOKOL USA

Phyiscian Assistant

Seton Hill University

Joseph P. Freck

District 999-National

Electrical Engineering

Purdue University

Van Breukelen Family Scholarship

Leslie George

District 999-National

Bioengineering

University of Pittsburgh

Elena Gioiello

District 3000-HRFA

Biology Pre-dental

Walsh University

Mario Gioiello

District 3000-HRFA

Multi Engine Instructor

Avit Flight Academy

Ethan C. Gresh

District 510-Toledo, OH

Bachelor of Science of Nursing (BSN)

Eastern Michigan University

Andrew Kalmanowicz

District 2000-ULS

Actuarial Science

Lebanon Valley College

Shelby Korytkowski

District 707-Grand Rapids, MI

Biology/Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Central Michigan University

Josh Koval

District 500-Lilly, PA

Dual Major: Biochemistry/Chemistry

Saint Francis University

Dylan Kundrod

District 291-Summerhill, PA

Computer Science

University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown

Grant Martin

District 999-National

Business Administration Accounting Focus

Penn State University-Beaver

Elijah McClymonds

District 999-National

Mathematics

Slippery Rock University

Macy Miscikowski

District 510-Toledo, OH

Psychology

Michigan State University

Katarina Mondor

District 684-Pittsburgh, PA

Comedic Arts

Emerson College

Aidan Niermeyer

District 999-National

Biology

University of Wisconsin - Madison

Bailey Orr

District 999-National

Law

Florida State University - College of Law

Elizabeth Rajnik

District 2000-ULS

Occupational Therapy

Elizabethtown College

Elizabeth Rehwinkel

District 4000-SOKOL USA

Chemistry Major

Smith College

Bert Waltenberger Memorial Scholarship

Emma Sanders

District 2000-ULS

Biology and Psychology, Pre-Med

Juniata College

Adrienne Schupp

District 4000-SOKOL USA

Economics and Finance

John Carroll University

Cambrie Short

District 999-National

Political Science

Duquesne University

Joshua Speaker

District 999-National

Accounting

Bethany College

Nicole Walko

District 4000-SOKOL USA

Neuroscience/Pre-Med

Trinity University

Kenna White

District 646-Coraopolis, PA

Chemistry

Juniata College

Marley Wolf

District 999-National

Chemistry

Waynesburg University

Kelsey Wolfe

District 999-National

Middle Childhood Education

Ohio Wesleyan University

Michael Zemanek

District 810-Cleveland, OH

Engineering

Washington University in St. Louis

Freshman Renewals ($500)

Clarence O. Affelt Architecture/Fine Art Memorial Scholarships

Morgan Glista

District 999-National

Graphic Design

Arcadia University

Peyton Korytkowski

District 707-Grand Rapids, MI

Interior Design

Central Michigan University

Julia Platt

District 999-National

English

Ohio University

The Mary M. Pocorus Memorial Scholarship

Jared Klaber

District 999-National

Chemical Engineering

University of Cincinnati

The Frank F. Pocorus Memorial Scholarship

Alexis Feldman

District 999-National

International Affairs & Cultural Anthropology

Northeastern University

The Dr. Ludger F. Pocorus Memorial Scholarship

Kelsy H. Cross

District 2000-ULS

Law

Louisiana State University

The Ronald Pocorus Scholarship

Maximilian Ehinger

District 630-Ann Arbor, MI

Earth Science

Eastern Michigan University

Undergraduate Renewals ($1,000)

Presley Dougherty

District 291-Summerhill, PA

Mechanical Engineering

Pennsylvania State University

Cassidy Dubendorfer

District 510-Toledo, OH

Early Childhood Education

Bowling Green State University

Mara Harouse

District 684-Pittsburgh

Natural Science Major, Pre-Health track

University of Pittsburgh

Chadwick Huss

District 510-Toledo, OH

Medicine

University of Toledo College of Medicine

Crystal L. Jones

District 999-National

Nursing

Liberty University

John Koch

District 4000-SOKOL USA

Physical Education & Health K-12

Kean University

Katherine Koch

District 4000-SOKOL USA

BFA Dance / Pre-Med

University of Hawai’i

Gage Krumlauf

District 2000-ULS

Mechanical Engineering

Cleveland State University

Kevin Mealwitz

District 2000-ULS

Supply Chain Management

Ashland University

Robert Redinger

District 684-Pittsburgh

Business Administration/Finance

Waynesburg University

Barbara Simon

District 3000-HRFA

Undergraduate Programme (M.D. degree)

Semmelweis University Faculty Of Medicine

Caitlyn Urban

District 3000-HRFA

Master's of Education: Educational Leadership

Pennsylvania West University

Stephanie Walters

District 999-National

Dentistry

Creighton University School of Dentistry

Graduate Renewals ($1,000)

Christina Mealwitz

District 999-National

Masters in Genetic Counseling

Case Western Reserve University

Brittney Tarkanyi

District 3000-HRFA

Law

Belmont University School of Law

2022 Personal Giving Grants

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

James R. Stoker Memorial Education Fund Grant

Emma Henschel

District 999-National

Architecture

University of Notre Dame

John P. Albright Grant

Dallas Larimer

District 4000-SOKOL USA

Undecided Major

Undecided School

Former District 496—Gill Hall, Pennsylvania Educational Grant

Marin Schmitt

District 999-National

PhD in Public Health

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Former District 491—Granit City, Illinois Grant

Josh Bierlein

District 699-Frankenmuth, MI

Early Childhood Education

Western Michigan University

James R. Stoker Higher Education Grants

Jacob Dubendorfer

District 510-Toledo, OH

Business

Bowling Green State University

Amy Eilerman

District 999-National

Supply Chain Management and Business Management

Bowling Green State University

Jacob Klein

District 2000-ULS

Engineering

University of Florida

Mason Muto

District 146-Johnstown, PA

Teacher Education

University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown

Kaitlyn Slezak

District 4000-SOKOL USA

Choral Conducting

Messiah University

Jim Stenske

District 510-Toledo, OH

Biomedical Engineering

University of Iowa

Rachael K. Wallace

District 3000-HRFA

Mechanical Engineering

Grove City College

Madison Walters

District 999-National

Business

University of Wisconsin - Madison

Devon Watz

District 2000-ULS

Communications

Northern Arizona University

2022 GBU Foundation Grants

These students received a $500 grant from the GBU Foundation.

Ashlee Bair

District 999-National

Computer Software

La Roche University

Joelle Beaumariage

District 999-National

Marketing

Duquesne University

Sarah Beckage

District 3000-HRFA

Biology

Syracuse University

Hailey Biehl

District 2000-ULS

Psychology

Kent State University

Josephine Bielecki

District 4000-SOKOL USA

Dietetics

Missouri State University

Jonathan Bodenschatz

District 291-Summerhill, PA

Undecided Major

Pennsylvania State University

Rachel Brinkman

District 999-National

Church Music

Concordia University

Chole Brzozowski

District 815-Dayton, OH

Finance

Pennsylvania State University

Dylan Cannon

District 684-Pittsburgh, PA

Civil Engineering

Geneva College

Alyssa Dall

District 817-Philadephia, PA

Grand Valley State

Briley Dall

District 819-Milwaukee, WI

Clinical Exercise Physiology

University of Wisconsin La Crosse

Caleb Dall

District 819-Milwaukee, WI

Finance

Winona State University

Grace Dietrich

District 999-National

Athletic Training

Duquesne University

Zachary Dosey

District 630-Ann Arbor, MI

Electrical Engineering

Wayne State University

Alyssa Drost

District 1000-LFA

Communicative Sciences and Distorders

Michigan State University

Chad Durante

District 999-National

Accounting

Franciscan University of Steubenville

Angel Starr Eisenhuth

District 999-National

Bachelor's Degree in Microbiology

Michigan State University

Christopher Elish

District 4000-SOKOL USA

Economics

Pennsylvania State University

Claire Fraley

District 999-National

Business

Florida Gulf Coast University

Gabrielle Franklin

District 999-National

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Clarion University

Dani Gindville

District 084-Lancaster, PA

Biology

Rutgers University

Delaney Gordon

District 999-National

Biology/Pre Medicine

Bucknell University

Garrett Gresh

District 510-Toledo, OH

Education

Saginaw Valley State University

Katharina Hacker

District 999-National

Social Work

University of Kentucky

Sarah Catherine Harouse

District 684-Pittsburgh, PA

MS in Global Health

University of Notre Dame

Jonathan Henschel

District 999-National

Psychology

Queens University of Charlotte

Nicole Himes

District 999-National

Engineering

Saint Francis University

Victoria Holtz

District 2000-ULS

Chemistry

Miami University

Kiera Jones

District 999-National

Fine Arts

Miami Dade College

Eric Klaber

District 999-National

Arts

Ohio University

Teresa Klaber

District 999-National

Duquesne University

Hannah Lajti

District 510-Toledo, OH

Physical Therapy

Cleveland State University

Jess Lichota

District 999-National

Biology

Coastal Carolina University

Lauren Mahler

District 510-Toledo, OH

Medical Library Science

University of Cincinnati

Madox Muto

District 146-Johnstown, PA

University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown

Christian Peek

District 815-Dayton, OH

Marketing

Bowling Green State University

Rachel Redinger

District 684-Pittsburgh, PA

History

Waynesburg University

Louis Schmid

District 999-National

Biology

University of Maine

Kaitlyn Schupp

District 4000-SOKOL USA

Accounting

John Carroll University

Elizabeth Sensebaugh

District 999-National

Nursing

University of North Carolina at Greensboro

Hannah Skalos

District 999-National

Business

Gannon University

Ellie Slezak

District 4000-SOKOL USA

Education

Grove City College

Eva Spangler

District 999-National

Law

Yale University

Lorenzo Sprockett

District 999-National

Business

University of South Carolina

Brooke Studebaker

District 999-National

Psychology

University of Wyoming

Ashley Thornburg

District 3000-HRFA

Animal Sciences, Agriculture

Tennessee Tech University

Victoria Tunney

District 999-National

Nursing

University of Rhode Island

Nate Upole

District 2000-ULS

Architectural Engineering

University of Cincinnati

Clark Visca

District 2000-ULS

Business

University of Utah

Nicholas Walters

District 999-National

Biology

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Angela Wharton

District 45-Altoona, PA

English and Foreign Languages

St. Francis University

James Wharton

District 45-Altoona, PA

Computer Software

St. Francis University

Avery J Wolf

District 999-National

Marketing

Marietta College

Sydney Wolf

District 999-National

Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Lewis University

Adelia Young

District 999-National

Speech Pathology and Audiology

Kent State University

Ericka Zeigler

District 3000-HRFA

Political Science

Slippery Rock University

2022 High School Freshmen Grants

These students received a $250 grant from the GBU Foundation.

Brayden Douglass

District 171-Pittsburgh, PA

Oliver Garraway

District 3000-HRFA

Elizabeth Holtz

District 2000-ULS

Austin Johnson

District 1000-LFA

Will Kirila

District 2000-ULS

Warner Korytkowski

District 707-Grand Rapids, MI

Finn Musial

District 999-National

Kelsie Muto

District 146-Johnstown, PA

2022 GBU Community Scholarships

These students received a $1,000 scholarship from the GBU Foundation.

Nathaniel Okwu

Baldwin High School

Accounting and Economics

Lake Forest College

Cecilia Foley

Brentwood High School

Graphic Design

Kent State University

Want to be a part of GBU's famous Scholarship and Grant program?

Consider the GBU Foundation in your giving plans. You can plan to leave a legacy with a perpetual grant, honor a loved one with a one-time grant or be a regular donor to the Foundation.

Make a general donation at gbucares.org or contact Charitable Giving Specialist Ken Elliott (kenneth.elliott@gbu.org) if you are interested in designating a grant.

One-Time Grant

Designate a one-time grant to remember or honor a loved one with any donation to the GBU Foundation of $500 or more.

Perpetual Grant

Designate a $500 grant to remember or honor a loved one that renews in perpetuity with a donation to the GBU Foundation of $15,000.

General Fund Donation

Donations to the GBU Foundation in any amount are appreciated. Your donations help GBU to fund more grants and scholarships for our members and our communities.

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Give Back Group Program Changes

15 Apr, 2024

Thank you for supporting your community through the Give Back Groups program! To ensure the long-term sustainability of the program, we have made some updates to the Give Back Groups donation-matching program guidelines, effective March 1, 2024. Please read over the updated guidelines before submitting your request. Guidelines for project start-up funds remain the same. GBU will match funds raised for eligible organizations of up to $1,000 per participating insured member and up to $500 per participating social member (up to $5,000 per project). Eligibility Guidelines The benefiting organization must be a 501(c)(3) organization listed on Charity Navigator or provide documentation of 501(c)(3) status OR Matching funds must be for specific funds, projects or programs for schools, churches, other religious organizations or civic organizations. Insured members may lead up to two Give Back Group projects per year and may participate in up to two additional projects. Social members may lead one Give Back Group project per year and may participate in one additional project. AND the benefiting organization, fund, project or program must: Impact your local community OR Bring members of your community to work together for a cause outside your community, such as making care packages, or collecting items for those in need in other communities or countries. Ineligible organizations, funds, projects or programs include those that: Are political. Are controversial or serve a negative purpose. Fund outreach or teaching of any specific religion or point of view. Provide general funds for schools, churches, other religious organizations or civic organizations. Send funds outside of the local community without bringing community members together to work together for a cause. The maximum amount an organization may receive each year is $20,000. GBU will approve a maximum of 13 projects per month. If fewer than 13 projects are submitted in a month, the balance of available projects can be carried over to the next month. Choose how to help your community and start a Give Back Group or request project start-up funds today! Visit gbucares.org/give-back-groups .

2024 Volunteer of The Year Nominations

15 Apr, 2024

The Volunteer of the Year award is an honor GBU presents to recognize a GBU member who, through example and accomplishment, provided outstanding volunteer service to his or her community and/or district during the past year. The GBU 2024 Volunteer of the Year award is based on volunteer service performed from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Celebrate a fellow member's accomplishments by completing the Volunteer of the Year nomination form at gbucares.org/volunteer-of-the-year . All nomination forms must be received by Friday, August 2, 2024. Incomplete entries or entries received after the deadline will not be considered. For questions about this program or to request a paper nomination form, please contact GBU's Community Engagement Department at memberbenefits@gbu.org or call 800-765-4428.

Give Back Groups Project Spotlight

15 Apr, 2024

Are you passionate about giving back to your community but not sure where to start? Consider applying for project start-up funds with GBU’s Give Back Groups. As a project leader, you can plan your own project to help your community, and GBU will reimburse you for associated expenses (up to a certain amount). Read stories from fellow GBU members who support GBU’s Community Pillars of Wellness, Education, Charitable Giving and Hometown Hero Support in their area through project start-up funds! Wellness Location: Wayne County, MI GBU Member: Donna Povich Benefiting Organization: Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit Project Description: Donna and fellow GBU members got together to purchase and collect food, blankets and towels for the animal shelter. Hometown Hero Support Location: Fayette County, PA GBU Member: Ken Firestone Benefiting Organizations: Normalville VFW, Springfield VHC, Indian Head VFD Project Description: Ken and his team made phone calls, had collection boots in the community and facilitated an auction to help support three volunteer fire departments. Charitable Giving Location: Fond du Lac County, WI GBU Member: Susan VandeBerg Benefiting Organization: REACH Waupun Project Description: Susan connected GBU and Lions club members to host a chili and warming station during the city-wide weekend event. The funds raised helped to support a local not-for-profit student mentoring program. Education Location: Washington County, PA GBU Member: Mary Ann Berty Benefiting Organization: Student run Trinity Leadership Committee Project Description: A team of GBU members led by Mary Ann hosted a silent disco dance for special needs students and invited other schools to participate! Choose how to help your community and request project start-up funds today! Visit gbucares.org/give-back-groups.

JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT INSPIRE

15 Apr, 2024

Junior Achievement (JA) USA is the nation's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their futures and make smart academic and economic choices. Junior Achievement programs focus on developing school-age children in the areas of work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy and are heavily dependent on community volunteers to operate. JA Inspire is more than a career fair; it brings together the business community and local schools and is designed to help launch middle school students into their futures—high school, college, and careers beyond. At JA Inspire’s in-person events, students interact with company representatives and participate in hands-on activities, often using equipment or tools used on the job. From helping the students dress for success to operating the student exit table, GBU members and employees were able to spend the day sharing real-world work experiences and participating in hands-on engagement with the over 900 students who attended.

GBU + The Alliance

15 Apr, 2024

When I came on board GBU Life (GBU) last year, I was just learning about fraternal benefit societies and their place in history. I was fortunate enough to receive an invitation from the American Fraternal Alliance (the Alliance) to learn more about the role that this important organization plays in uniting fraternal benefit societies like GBU. The Alliance unites more than 50 not-for-profit fraternal benefit societies, including GBU, operating in fifty states, the District of Columbia and Canada. The organization “unites members through Advocacy, Education and Networking,” which is key to keeping fraternal societies modern and relevant in today’s fast-paced society. GBU has been a member for years and works closely with the Alliance, but most recently, GBU CEO William (Bill) Hunt has been a board member and key leader in helping the Alliance expand its mission. This year, Bill is serving as chair of the board and leading key initiatives along with ten other leaders representing the Alliance’s membership and CEO Allison Koppel, as they advocate for and modernize the role of fraternal organizations. Advocacy The Alliance engages in initiatives such as lobbying for legislation that benefit its members and their communities while keeping an eye on and preparing defense against legislation that could be harmful to member societies. The Alliance collaborates with member societies to highlight community service projects, raise awareness about important social issues and host educational events. Education The Alliance recently developed the Fraternal Career Development Series (FCD) to help retain and nurture young and up-and-coming talents in the industry. Programs like this help to secure the future of member societies while fostering innovative ideas. The Alliance collaborates with member organizations to help solve industry problems, nurture relationships and invigorate the programs and benefits offered by fraternal benefit societies. Networking The open exchange of ideas is key to the long-term growth of the fraternal industry. The Alliance supports this by fostering an atmosphere of non-competitive and collaborative idea-sharing between societies. Leaders from member societies have opportunities to meet at the Alliance’s annual Spring Symposium and other regional networking events held throughout the year. There are also many opportunities to meet virtually. In April 2024, I will be finishing the FCD program along with my GBU colleagues Anna Meek, Ken Elliott, Mary Koczan, Janine Brickner and Leah Teahl. We have learned invaluable leadership skills, from the way we receive information and make decisions to various communication styles among our teams and how we can best work together. The energy and resources that both GBU and the Alliance are investing in the future of fraternalism are amazing to me as someone new to this side of financial products. As forward-thinking organizations, GBU and the Alliance understand that good leadership is evergreen and not limited to a specific industry. To retain a top talent pool, it is crucial to equip those up-and-comers with the tools they need to succeed. “ The Alliance recognized the need to nurture this group of our members and we are thrilled with how the FCD students have embraced this program. They are taking the lessons they’ve learned and applying them within their societies.” – Allison Koppel, CEO, American Fraternal Alliance. I asked Bill Hunt about what has changed in the fraternal industry since he joined the board and what his vision is for his presidential term. “Since joining the board, I have witnessed significant changes in the fraternal industry. There’s been a shift towards greater collaboration among fraternal organizations, increased focus on leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and growing emphasis on enhancing and expanding member engagement.” “As I look ahead, I foresee the continuation of efforts that strengthen those collaborations and promote innovation within the industry while we continue to support the well-being and growth of our members, our Societies and our communities.” – William (Bill) Hunt, CEO, GBU Life.

Notice of 2024 Election for GBU Board of Directors

15 Apr, 2024

Board Election GBU Financial Life’s (GBU) National Bylaws allow all adult insured members (as defined in Article IV, Section 1 of the Bylaws) the right to vote for GBU’s Board of Directors. Ballots will be mailed at the beginning of August 2024 to all eligible members. Eligible members will have the ability to vote by paper ballot via mail or electronic ballot online once they have received their ballot. Cumulative voting or voting by proxy is not permitted. The Process and Term The GBU Board of Directors consists of seven (7) elected members and the Chief Executive Officer of the Society, who is appointed by the Board. The elected members serve a term of four (4) years or until their successors are elected and qualified. In 2024, three (3) elected Board seats will stand for election for a four-year term. The other four seats will stand for election during the next election period taking place in 2026. For 2024, all members of the Society seeking candidacy to the Board must submit their application request in writing via email to: Office of the CEO boardcandidates@gbu.org Interested applicants will receive a candidacy packet, which will need to be completed by May 20, 2024. All eligible applicants will constitute the slate of candidates. Summary of Board Member Responsibilities The GBU Board of Directors is responsible for the effective governance of GBU Financial Life. Its primary objectives are to provide overall governance of the Society, establish and oversee policies and direction, as well as advise and assist management with the leadership and promotion of GBU in support of its mission, strategy and core values. GBU Financial Life Bylaw Requirements as per Article VI, Section 1 To be eligible to be a candidate for or serve as an elected Director, all individuals must: a. be a GBU adult member (as defined by Article IV, Section1 of the Bylaws) age twenty-one (21) years or older and under the age of seventy (70) years on January 1 of the election year. b. not be: (1) a current employee, general agent, or agent of GBU; (2) a former employee, general agent, or agent of GBU unless three years have expired from the termination date of their employment or GBU agent contract; (3) a current corporate officer, field manager, sales agent, broker or director of any other life insurance company or fraternal benefit society, or (4) an immediate family member (parent, spouse, natural or adopted child, sibling) of any person in any of the prohibited categories enumerated above; c. be capable of assuming the responsibilities as outlined herein and as established by GBU from time to time and possess qualifications that reflect the complexity and magnitude of the business affairs of GBU as well as the desire to promote and support the fraternal benefit system within GBU; d. not have been removed from office for cause by action of the Board of Directors; e. have no criminal history other than matters determined insignificant by the Nominating Committee, such as a minor traffic violation; f. meet all other requirements under the law or established by resolution of the Board of Directors. Additional Qualifications of Board Candidates A candidate for an elected Board seat must possess at least one of the following: - Bachelor’s degree or higher - Currently holds or has held a management-level position for a minimum of ten (10) years - Owns or has owned a successful business for at least ten (10) years. - Currently is employed or has been employed in the insurance industry for a minimum of ten (10) years or has held an insurance certification for a minimum of ten (10) years, except as specified in the eligibility requirements. - Serves or has served on a professional Board for a minimum of ten (10) years Expectations of Board Members The following are the expectations and commitments of GBU Board members: - Dedication to and display of values that are aligned with the mission of GBU Financial Life - Avoidance of any conflict of interest - Availability to prepare for and participate in GBU Financial Life Board meetings. Currently, the Board meets as an entire body six (6) times per year. Board members are also assigned membership and participate in various committees of the Board throughout the year. Currently, the GBU Board has the following committees: Executive, Audit, Investment, Sales and Marketing, Fraternal and Compensation. Board meetings are conducted in person or via the use of any means of communication by which all participants may simultaneously communicate. - Participation in the overall governance of the Society through expertise obtained in one or more of the following areas: accounting/finance, general business leadership/management, legal, investment management, sales, marketing, risk management, human resources, civic leadership or fraternal operations - Familiarization with GBU Financial Life’s business and fraternal mission, insurance products, policies, procedures, finances, investment practices, service platform and fraternal operation -Contribution to building a congenial team atmosphere with other GBU Board members -Understanding of the time commitment of a GBU Financial Life Board member's duties. This is normally between 20-30 days annually. Board members are to be available, either in person or electronically for any special meetings called by the Chair of the Board. 2024 GBU Board Election Timeline First Week of April 2024 – GBU Board election announced and call for candidates in The Reporter. May 15, 2024 – All requests for Board Candidacy Application packets must be received by the Home Office via the following email: boardcandidates@gbu.org. May 20, 2024 – Completed Board Candidacy Application packets and supporting documents must be received at the GBU Home Office. June 3, 202 4– Complete eligibility determination of applicants. July 1, 2024 – All eligible applicants submitted to Independent Election Facilitation Company. First week of July 2024 – Candidate information runs in the summer edition of The Reporter, along with voting information. August 1, 2024– Ballots mailed to members. September 20, 2024 – Balloting closes online; mailed ballots must be received. September 27, 2024 – Election results independently tabulated and certified and approved by the Board.

Where are they now?

15 Apr, 2024

With district and donor funding, the GBU Foundation has encouraged and assisted members in furthering their education through its scholarship program since 1963. We celebrate GBU Foundation scholarship and grant recipients’ achievements to spotlight the true impact of charitable giving.

Happy Birthday to GBU!

12 Apr, 2024

Since its inception on April 13, 1892, GBU has been a pillar of stability in the realm of financial services. Founded on the principles of fraternalism and community, the company has witnessed significant changes over the years while steadfastly maintaining its core values.

Birthday Match

27 Mar, 2024

For more information or to submit an application, visit REPORTER.GBU.ORG/BIRTHDAY-MATCH. How about a Birthday Match reminder? Email memberbenefits@gbu.org with your name and birth month, and we will send you a reminder during the month of your birthday! Start a Facebook Birthday Fundraiser, and GBU will match what you raise, up to $250!

Give Back Groups Project Spotlight

27 Mar, 2024

Are you passionate about giving back to your community but not sure where to start? Consider applying for project start-up funds with GBU’s Give Back Groups. As a project leader, you can plan your own project to help your community, and GBU will reimburse you for associated expenses (up to a certain amount). Read stories from fellow GBU members who support GBU’s Community Pillars of Wellness, Education, Charitable Giving and Hometown Hero Support in their area through project start-up funds! Wellness Location: Wayne County, MI GBU Member: Donna Povich Benefiting Organization: Friends for Animals of Metro Detroit Project Description: Donna and fellow GBU members got together to purchase and collect food, blankets and towels for the animal shelter. Charitable Giving Location: Fond du Lac County, WI GBU Member: Susan VandeBerg Benefiting Organization: REACH Waupun Project Description: Susan connected GBU and Lions club members to host a chili and warming station during the city-wide weekend event. The funds raised helped to support a local not-for-profit student mentoring program. Hometown Hero Support Location: Fayette County, PA GBU Member: Ken Firestone Benefiting Organizations: Normalville VFW, Springfield VHC, Indian Head VFD Project Description: Ken and his team made phone calls, had collection boots in the community and facilitated an auction to help support three volunteer fire departments. Education Location: Washington County, PA GBU Member: Mary Ann Berty Benefiting Organization: Student run Trinity Leadership Committee Project Description: A team of GBU members led by Mary Ann hosted a silent disco dance for special needs students and invited other schools to participate! Choose how to help your community and request project start-up funds today! Visit gbucares.org/give-back-groups .

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