2023 Scholarship & Grant Recipients

Oct 30, 2023
Congratulations to this year’s group of students who have been awarded scholarships and grants from the 
GBU Foundation Scholarship Program.

2023 Four-Year Scholarship Awards

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

Gretchen Augustine

District 819-Milwaukee, WI Biology 

Wisconsin Lutheran College

Emma Fraudorfer

District 45-Altoona, PA Undecided 

Penn State Altoona

Rebekah Freeman

District 999-National Elementary Education Arizona Christian University

Bert Waltenberger Memorial Scholarship

Jacob Clair Steinbugl, Jr.

District 45-Altoona, PA

Data Science 

Penn State University

Julia Gawryleski

District 999-National

Animal Sciences

University of Wisconsin-River Falls

Abi Jalso

District 3000-HRFA Psychology

Loyola University Chicago

Natalie Miscikowski

District 510-Toledo, OH Nursing

Michigan State University

Kallie Orosz

District 291-Summerhill, PA Physician Assistant Science Saint Francis University

Benjamin Vanic

District 999-National

Education

Concordia University Wisconsin

Carlee Zimmermann

District 999-National

Forestry 

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

2023 Named Four-Year Scholarships

These students each received a $1,000 scholarship made available by the generosity of GBU Foundation donors.

Clarence O. Affelt Architecture/Fine Art Memorial Scholarship

Abigail Boyles

District 999-National 

Fine Arts 

Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Mary M. Pocorus Memorial Scholarship 

Isabella Duvendack

District 510-Toledo, OH

Finance 

John Carroll University

Frank F. Pocorus Memorial Scholarship 

Robert Freeman

District 999-National

Electrical Engineering

Cedarville University

Dr. Ludger F. Pocorus Memorial Scholarship 

Brendan Hazuda

District 510-Toledo, OH 

Education/Marketing 

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C)

Ronald Pocorus Scholarship 

Madeline Rehwinkel

District 4000-Sokol USA

Physics 

Bryn Mawr College

2023 Undergraduate Scholarship Awards

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

McKenna Augustine

District 819-Milwaukee, WI Communications 

Concordia University Wisconsin

Kaitlyn Erickson 

District 4000-Sokol USA

Education 

Grove City College

Jamie Fitzgerald

District 2000-ULS 

Biology 

Gonzaga University

Addison Gross

District 999-National 

Finance 

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Kaitlyn Hare

District 2000-ULS 

Biology 

Saint Vincent College

Jonathan Henschel

District 999-National

Psychology 

Queens University of Charlotte

Cameron Koch

District 4000-Sokol USA

Biology 

Penn State University

Kristen Ranke

District 999-National 

Rehabilitation Science 

University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire

Maleia Thompson

District 699-Frankenmuth, MI 

Music and Mathematics Education

Central Michigan University

Emese Toth

District 3000-HRFA 

Fine Arts, English and Foreign Languages

Case Western Reserve University

2023 Graduate Scholarship Awards

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

Presley Dougherty

District 291-Summerhill, PA 

Engineering Design 

Penn State University

Elena Gioiello

District 3000-HRFA 

Dental Medicine 

Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine

Emma Henschel

District 999-National

Architecture 

University of Notre Dame

Rylee Holek

District 510-Toledo, OH

Not Listed 

Central Michigan University

College of Medicine

Sydney Wolf

District 999-National

Psychology 

Lewis University

Michael Zemanek

District 810-Cleveland, OH Engineering 

Washington University-St. Louis

2023 Two-Year Scholarship Award

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

Gage Haselbarth

District 45-Altoona, PA 

IT Cyber Security 

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College

Mia Maechner

District 810-Cleveland, OH 

Education 

Worldview at the Abbey

Luke Netzel

District 999-National 

Welding 

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Brienna Reinke

District 999-National 

Nursing 

Harrisburg Area Community College

Freshman Scholarship Renewals

These students each received $1,500 scholarship renewals.

Madison N. Ancosky

District 4000-Sokol USA Industrial Engineering 

West Virginia University 

Devin G. Borowski

District 999-National 

Real Estate 

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Bert Waltenberger 

Memorial Scholarship 

Michael A. Bradley

District 684-Pittsburgh, PA Aeronautics 

Kent State University 

Peter J. Carozza 

District 171-Pittsburgh, PA Mechanical Engineering Pennsylvania State University 

Marissa Collins

District 999-National Accounting 

Robert Morris University

McKenna Coots

District 999-National Exercise/Therapeutic Science Liberty University

Amber Cross

District 2000-ULS 

Education 

University of Alabama Birmingham

Kelby Dall

District 819-Milwaukee, WI Elementary Education    University of Wisconsin-Madison

Bert Waltenberger Memorial Scholarship 

Katie Davis

District 404-St. Louis, MO Health Science 

University of Florida

Nicholas Doman

District 630-Ann Arbor, MI Biology 

Florida International University

Amanda Dosey

District 630-Ann Arbor, MI Nursing 

University of Toledo

Lindsey Dugan

District 3000-HRFA 

Early/Special Education Slippery Rock University

Jordan Fairman

District 4000-Sokol USA Physician Assistant 

Seton Hill University

Joseph Freck

District 510-Toledo, OH Electrical Engineering Purdue University

Van Breukelen Family Scholarship

Leslie George

District 999-National Bioengineering 

University of Pittsburgh

Croix Horsley

District 817-Philadelphia, PA

Economics   

Vassar College

Alexander Jurkovich

District 810-Cleveland, OH Human Biology 

The University of Southern California

Andrew Kalmanowicz

District 2000-ULS Economics/Business Administration

Lebanon Valley College

Preston Korytkowski

District 707-Grand Rapids, MI Computer Science 

Michigan State University

Shelby Korytkowski

District 707-Grand Rapids, MI Biomedical Sciences Central Michigan University

Bence Kovacs

District 3000-HRFA 

Civil Engineering Northeastern University

Joshua Koval

District 500-Lilly, PA Biochemistry/Chemistry Saint Francis University

Dylan Kunrod

District 291-Summerhill, PA Computer Science University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown

Abigail Miller

District 684-Pittsburgh, PA Mechanical Engineering Carnegie Mellon University

Magdalena Miller

District 684-Pittsburgh, PA Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering 

University of Pennsylvania

Macy Miscikowski

District 510-Toledo, OH Psychology 

Michigan State University

Aidan Niermeyer

District 999-National 

Biology 

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Bailey Orr

District 999-National 

Law 

Florida State University College of Law

Caroline Peek

District 815-Dayton, OH 

Early Childhood Education Bowling Green State University

Elizabeth Rajinik

District 2000-ULS Occupational Therapy Elizabethtown College

Elizabeth Rehwinkel

District 4000-Sokol USA Chemistry 

Smith College

Adrienne Schupp

District 4000-Sokol USA Economics and Finance John Carroll University

Nicole Walko

District 4000-Sokol USA Neuroscience 

Trinity University

Kenna White

Former District 646- Coraopolis, PA 

Chemistry 

Juniata College

Marley Wolf

District 999-National Psychology 

Waynesburg University

Kelsey Wolfe

District 999-National 

Middle Childhood Education Ohio Wesleyan University

Clarence O. Affelt Architecture/Fine Art Memorial Scholarship Renewals

($500)

Luke Brickley

District 146-Johnstown, PA Plastic and Polymer Engineering Technology 

PA College of Technology

Peyton Korytkowski

District 707-Grand Rapids, MI Interior Design 

Central Michigan University

Julia Platt

District 999-National English 

Ohio University

Undergraduate Renewals

($1,000)

Anna Jurkovich

District 810-Cleveland, OH Finance 

Indiana University

Antonio Campitell

District 146-Johnstown, PA Chiropractic Medicine 

Palmer College of Chiropractic

Benjamin Ferrara

District 2000-ULS 

Computer Science 

University of Colorado-Colorado Springs

Benjamin Tarkanyi

District 3000-HRFA Mechanical Engineering Lawrence Technological University

Chadwick Huss

District 510-Toledo, OH Medicine 

University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences

Katherine Koch

District 4000-Sokol USA 

BFA Dance 

University of Hawai’i at Manoa

Nicole Faulhaber

District 999-National Marketing 

University of Akron

Stephanie Walters 

District 999-National 

Dental Surgery 

Creighton University School of Dentistry

Graduate Renewals

($1,000)

Annaliese Bangert

District 999-National

Nursing 

Spring Arbor University

Caitlin Ulrich

District 684-Pittsburgh, PA Occupational Therapy

Duquesne University

Emily Jadin

District 999-National

Physician Assistant 

Carroll University

Lisa Freeman

District 999-National

Masters in Nursing

Cedarville University

Makayla Himes

District 999-National

Occupational Therapy

Chatham University

2023 Personal Giving Grants

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

James R. Stoker Memorial Education Grant 

Sarah Catherine Harouse

District 684-Pittsburgh, PA 

Global Health 

University of Notre Dame

John P. Albright Grant

Rachel Redinger

District 684-Pittsburgh, PA 

History 

Waynesburg University

Waynesburg University

Former District 496-Gill Hall, PA, Grant 

Dylan Aey

District 510-Toledo, OH 

Finance 

University of Cincinnati

Former District 496-Granite City, IL, Grants 

Aida Castelli

District 2000-ULS 

Law 

Florida International University

Nicole Mischak

District 3000-HRFA 

Biology 

George Washington University

James R. Stoker Higher Education Grants

Nicole Abel

District 684-Pittsburgh, PA 

Nursing 

Carlow University

Helen Brozozowski

District 815-Dayton, OH 

Engineering 

Purdue University

Cameron Emerson

District 291-Summerhill, PA Computer and Information Technology Saint Francis University

Lisa Jo Fanelli-Greer

District 684-Pittsburgh, PA 

Nursing 

Carlow University

Dalton Hamm

District 4000-Sokol USA History/Education Westminster College

Hannah Lajti

District 510-Toledo, OH Physical Therapy

Cleveland State University

Lincoln Martin

District 999-National

Safety Management Slippery Rock University

Nicholas Reeder

District 510-Toledo, OH Mechanical Engineering 

Ohio State University

Alivia Sapone

District 999-National 

Nutrition and Food Science

Montclair State University

Angela Wharton

District 45-Altoona, PA 

English-Literature and Composition

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Foundation Grants

These students each received a $750 grant from the GBU Foundation.

Georgia Arsic

District 810-Cleveland, OH Not Listed 

Kent State University

Donna Ayers

District 3000-HRFA 

Student Affairs in Higher Education 

DeSales University

Madison Bassett

District 999-National Biology

University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown

Joelle Beaumariage

District 999-National 

Digital Medi Arts/Public Relations and Advertising Duquesne University

Sarah Beckage

District 3000-HRFA Psychology/Biology Syracuse University

Ayla Bernsten

District 818-Orlando, FL Science 

University of Central Florida

Josephine Bielecki

District 4000-Sokol USA Dietetics 

Missouri State University

Anna Blanford

District 999-National Biology 

University of Wisconsin-Stout

Jeffrey Bradley

District 171-Pittsburgh, PA Culinary Arts 

Indiana University of Pennsylvania, Academy of Culinary Arts

Rachel Brinkman

District 999-National Church Music 

Concordia University 

Jeffrey Campey

District 510-Toledo, OH Business Administration Georgia Institute of Technology

Lauren Connor

District 999-National Sociology, Psychology Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Katherine DiMuccio

District 999-National 

Criminal Justice 

Seton Hill University

Lucas Dorsch

District 45-Altoona, PA Finance 

Slippery Rock University

Zachary William Dosey

District 630-Ann Arbor, MI Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology Wayne State University

Emily Drost

District 1000-LFA 

Biology 

Wayne State University

Conner Eckert

District 999-National Undecided 

Slippery Rock University

Joscelynn Favre

District 999-National 

Early Childhood Education Quincy University

Corbin Fetterman

District 999-National Mechanical Engineering Alfred State

Mandy Fetterman

District 999-National 

English/Creative Writing SUNY New Paltz

Eden Forcht

District 810-Cleveland, OH Nursing/Psychology Cleveland State University

Camden Frazier

District 510-Toledo, OH Mechanical Engineering Miami University

Sarah Freck

District 510-Toledo, OH Engineering/Chemistry University of Cincinnati

Lena Gay

District 999-National Psychology 

Hampton University

Melanie George

District 999-National Biology 

Ohio University

Riley Green

District 999-National Computer and Information Technology/Computer Software 

University of Central Florida

Victoria Harden

District 999-National History 

Westminster College

Jackson Hargreaves

District 146-Johnstown, PA Pre-Physician Assistant Saint Francis University

Selena Haselbarth

District 45-Altoona, PA Microbiology 

University of Pittsburgh

Archie Hill

District 45-Altoona, PA Business 

University of Virginia

Téa Hill

District 999-National Management 

Minnesota State University-Mankato

Victoria Holtz

District 2000-ULS Chemistry 

Miami University

Parker Jendrysik

District 999-National Journalism 

Ohio University

Eric Klaber

District 999-National 

Fine Arts 

Ohio University

Jared Klaber

District 999-National Engineering 

University of Cincinnati

Lauren Klein

District 999-National 

Health Education and Behavior University of Florida

Chrisopher Kloha

District 1000-LFA 

Computer and Information Technology 

Michigan Technological University

Taylor Korytkowski

District 707-Grand Rapids, MI Exercise Science 

Kent State University

Lilly Kulaga

District 2000-ULS 

Business Administration University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Karl Larson

District 3000-HRFA Marketing 

Iowa State University

Nora Larson

District 999-National 

Not Listed 

University of Wisconsin-Whitewater

Adeline Lasko

District 3000-HRFA 

Physician Assistant 

Seton Hill University

Dylan Lautner

District 999-National Environmental Science University of Hawai’i

Megan Liberoni

District 999-National Healthcare Management University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg

Nolan LoBianco

District 999-National

Not Listed 

University of Cincinnati

Carley Miller

District 999-National Biology 

Slippery Rock University

Madeline Mischak

District 3000-HRFA

Political Science

Indiana University

Kayla Moran

District 999-National Agriculture 

Penn State-Behrend

Katherine Pearson

District 4000-Sokol USA Law 

University of Florida
Levin College of Law

Olivia Platt 

District 999-National Education 

Slippery Rock University

Gabriella Povenzano

District 999-National Criminal Justice Waynesburg University

Nathan Reese 

District 999-National Architecture 

Penn State University

Josie Rempt

District 999-National

Health Studies

University of Iowa

Margaret Reis 

District 817-Philadelphia, PA Nursing 

Cedar Crest College

Noelle Roth

District 684-Pittsburgh, PA Master of Library and Information Science 

Wayne State University

Caitlin Schlicht 

District 999-National 

Biology 

Carroll University

Marin Schmitt

District 999-National 

Not Listed 

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Jessica Schroeder 

District 630-Ann Arbor, MI Biology 

San Diego State University

Jacob Francis Schupp

District 4000-Sokol USA Master of Business Administration

Cleveland State University

Imre Simon 

District 3000-HRFA Computer and Information Technology 

University of Pécs Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology

Cole Slezak

District 4000-Sokol USA Criminal Justice 

Lycoming College

Ellie Slezak

District 4000-Sokol USA Education/Arts 

Grove City College

Natasha Slezak

District 4000-Sokol USA Political Science 

University of Richmond

Eva Spangler

District 999-National Government 

University of Virginia

Maren Steinbugl

District 45-Altoona, PA Marketing and Business Analytics 

Drexel University

Brittney Tarkanyi

District 3000-HRFA 

Law 

Belmont College of Law

Elise Torp

District 821-Sterling Heights, MI

Environmental Science Undecided

Addison Vandergriff 

District 2000-ULS 

Education 

West Virginia University

Morgan Verhaalen

District 999-National Biomedical Engineering University of Wisconsin- 

Eau Claire

Clark Visca

District 2000-ULS 

Business 

University of Utah

Josh Vishanoff

District 298-Allentown, PA Business Information Systems Grand Canyon University

Madison Walters

District 999-National Accounting 

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Nicholas Walters

District 999-National Biochemistry/Molecular Biology University of Wisconsin-Eau Clare

Thaddeus Weiss

District 510-Toledo, OH Economics 

University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

James Wharton

District 45-Altoona, PA Computer and Information Technology 

St. Francis University

Lexi Wilkins

District 684-Pittsburgh, PA Biology 

Old Dominion University

Ryan Wilkins

District 684-Brentwood, PA Biology 

James Madison University

Sophia Willamson

District 999-National

Liberal Arts 

Harvard Extension School

Avery Wolf

District 999-National Marketing 

Marietta College

Chole Wolfe 

District 999-National Education or Business

Ohio University

Erika Zeigler

District 3000-HRFA Political Science 

Slippery Rock University

2023 GBU Foundation High School Freshman Grants

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

Mason Aquiline

District 999-National

Michael Aquiline

District 999-National

Kalvin Bristol

District 999-National

Abigail Browne

District 815-Dayton, OH

Madelyn Brumbaugh District 2000-ULS

Gavin Campbell

District 999-National

Lucy Crothers 

District 510-Toledo, OH

Michael DeGraff 

District 2000-ULS

Aneka Diem 

District 707-Grand Rapids, MI

Madison Dieter 

District 815-Dayton, OH

Brielle Dunn 

District 84-Lancaster, PA

Reece Fisher 

District 999-National

Leighton Anne Freeman District 999-National

Bryce Fromach 

District 999-National

William Gast 

District 510-Toledo, OH

Kaylee Glover 

District 4000-Sokol USA

Ethan Hartford 

District 4000-Sokol USA

Rudolph Hauss 

District 821-Sterling Heights, MI

Andrew Havener 

District 999-National

Caleb Hays 

District 510-Toledo, OH

Connor Henderson 

District 999-National

Cole Henning 

District 999-National

Ashley Herman 

District 2000-ULS

Ainsley Keller 

District 999-National

Alexander Killam 

District 999-National

Keylie Koenig 

District 2000-ULS

Samuel Kovacs 

District 684-Pittsburgh, PA

Caroline Kulaga 

District 2000-ULS

Emily Lepley 

District 291-Summerhill, PA

Lily Lushko 

District 146-Johnstown, PA

John Madl 

District 999-National

Stella Maechner 

District 810-Cleveland, OH

Noah McCaulley 

District 999-National

MaryEllen McConnell District 999-National

Olivia Mendel 

District 684-Pittsburgh, PA

Louis Mercolini 

District 999-National

Ricky Monro 

District 999-National

Zeplin Moore 

District 510-Toledo, OH

Ella Noto 

District 999-National

Matthew Peck 

District 999-National

Maya Plummer 

District 999-National

William Post 

District 999-National

Gibson Putnam 

District 707-Grand Rapids, MI

Wyatt Putnam 

District 707-Grand Rapids, MI

Jocelin Rector 

District 999-National

Isabella Rericha 

District 999-National

Sophia Riedeman 

District 510-Toledo, OH

Molly Ries 

District 817-Philadelphia, PA

Viola Rosarion 

District 3000-HRFA

Raine Schindler 

District 999-National

Landon Seefeldt 

District 999-National

Brenda Show 

District 999-National

Saylia Sund 

District 999-National

Joseph Vanic 

District 999-National

Ashlyn Verner 

District 999-National

Alex Wegesin 

District 510-Toledo, OH

2023 GBU Community Educational Grants

These students each received a one-time $1,000 grant from the GBU Foundation.

Abigail Hutchinson

Baldwin High School Nursing 

West Virginia University

Leyna Ho

Brentwood High School

Biology 

University of Pittsburgh

Mia Sibley

Elizabeth Forward High School Cybersecurity/Analytics

Penn State-University Park

Want to be a part of GBU’s scholarship and grant program?

Perpetual and one-time giving educational grants help fellow GBU members to meet their education goals.

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.

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.

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.

Hands and a young plant

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 .
Volunteers

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.
Dog in crate

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.
Group of teens

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.
People holding hands

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.
People working at a desk

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.
Graduates throwing their hats

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 Cake

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!
Person with two dogs

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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