Where are they now?

Apr 15, 2024

Celebrating GBU Foundation Scholars

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.

Celine van Breukelen

Anchorage, AK

Hydrologist, National Weather Service

District 815 – Dayton, OH

GBU Foundation Freshman Scholarship 2003–2006

Ohio State University, B.S., Industrial and Systems Engineering

About my GBU Foundation Scholarship:

“The scholarship allowed me a little more financial freedom to explore.

Due to my ability to travel, I was able to visit Alaska, which I now call home.”

Since I graduated:

“In part due to my GBU Foundation scholarship, I was able to graduate undergrad without debt. This allowed me the freedom to explore. I had the opportunity to do something completely different by attending graduate school at the University of Alaska studying civil engineering. This flexibility allowed me to have a career about which I am passionate. I get to help people in a place that I love.”

Presley Dougherty

Mount Airy, MD

Graduate Student

The Pennsylvania State University

District 291 – Summerhill-Lilly, PA

GBU Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship 2020-2022

GBU Foundation Graduate Scholarship 2023

The Pennsylvania State University, B.S., Mechanical Engineering

The Pennsylvania State University, Pursuing an M.S., Engineering Design

About my GBU Foundation Scholarship:

“I was able to purchase books, a laptop and more easily afford tuition in school because of my scholarships. I was able to focus on being a student without added financial stress. I was able to maintain good grades and get into graduate school as well. My ultimate goal is to work in automotive design, and I am getting closer to that goal every day. I am so grateful for the people and opportunities that I have been granted that have brought me to where I am today.”

As an undergraduate:

“I was the controls, brakes and safety lead for the Penn State formula racing team. In that role, I worked on designing, manufacturing, testing the braking system and driver interface and ensuring we had the proper safety equipment. I had two internships with Ford Motor Company’s Vehicle Propulsion Systems Engineering. This past summer, I worked on powertrain simulations for their diesel vehicles and even made the trip to their headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan.”

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Mario Gioiello

Bethel, AK

Pilot

GBU Foundation Freshman Scholarship 2019-2022

Kent State University, Aeronautics with Flight Tech Concentration

Elena Gioiello

Cleveland, OH

Dental School Student

GBU Foundation Freshman Scholarship 2019-2022

GBU Foundation Graduate Scholarship 2023

Walsh University,

Biology with Business Minor

Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine

Jolena Gioiello

Sandusky, OH

Education Reporter,

Sandusky Register

GBU Foundation Grant 2019

GBU Foundation Undergraduate Scholarship 2020-2021

Ohio State University, Communications

Three Winners, Three Stories

By Jolena Gioiello

Mario, Elena and Jolena Gioiello, 23-year-old triplets, have been GBU members since they were two years old. The trio grew up in Girard, Ohio, and attended Niles McKinley High School. In 2019, Mario and Elena graduated with 4.0 GPAs as two of six valedictorians, and Jolena graduated with a 3.9 GPA. After graduation, they went separate ways for the first time in their lives and are all on unique paths five years later.

Mario

Mario attended Kent State University to continue his dream of flying. He majored in aeronautics with a concentration in flight tech. This field of study was a simple choice because he had been a certified pilot as long as he had been licensed to drive. Mario used scholarship funding to pay for his tuition. He worked for Kent University Airport during school. After college, he accepted positions at the Akron/Canton Airport and the Wadsworth Airport to stay in the area. His scholarship funding helped him earn a certificate in multi-engine flight instructor training. With this, he could instruct students at the airport.

“I’ve pretty much lived out of airports since my freshman year,” Mario said. “I even bought a cot to sleep on between my long shifts. It’s hard work, but I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.”

Mario’s long-term plan differed from his pilot classmates. Most sought after flying for big airlines transporting vacationing passengers, but not Mario. Mario was too adventurous. Instead, he explored options 3,000 miles away from his home. At 22 years old, Mario began flying a Cessna 207 and became the youngest pilot on his flight team in Alaska.

“The multi-engine certificate I got with the help of GBU gave me a big leg up in being chosen to fly our larger twin engine airplanes at our company in Bethel,” Mario said.

Mario works long hours delivering supplies and transporting passengers around the state, including staying a week alone at a remote site near the Yukon River to make deliveries to surrounding villages. He works two weeks "on" and two weeks “off” but continues working at the Akron/Canton Airport on his “off” weeks.

“I’d like to say thank you to the donors who funded my scholarship from GBU,” Mario said. “I would not be where I am today, especially in as short of a time, without GBU.”

“All three have achieved and still are experiencing so many great steps in life. At all stages, GBU’s financial help was a help for them.” - Betty Gioiello, Mario, Elena and Jolena’s Grandmother

Elena

Elena went to Walsh University to study biology with a business minor and take her first steps to becoming a dentist. She spent, and continues to spend, all her time studying, even multitasking with other activities like running or hula-hooping. She will spend hours with a book in her hands and a hula hoop going around non-stop.

When not studying, Elena spent her time helping others as a tutor. Her favorite part about tutoring was “the confidence I see in other students when they begin to understand the material and they exhibit an ambition to learn more.”

In the little free time she had, Elena was Sir Walter, Walsh University’s mascot. She was vice-president of Walsh University’s science club and pre-dental club.

Elena received Walsh University’s Outstanding Student Award, the most prestigious student academic honor given to a single senior with a grade point average greater than 3.9, interdisciplinary excellence, intellectual curiosity and a commitment to academic rigor and depth. Elena joined the math and science honors and business honors societies and presented research at the 2023 Ohio Academy of Science Conference.

Elena shadowed a Walsh University alumna and completed an internship at Niles Family Dentistry. When on break from school, Elena shows off her dental skills by practicing on her siblings and goes to her family’s dentist to watch and help him work on patients.

Elena graduated from Walsh University in May 2023 and is studying for a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry at the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine. She joined Case Western Reserve University’s Delta Sigma Delta Dental Fraternity.

“College and dental school are expensive, so these scholarships helped alleviate the stress a little bit,” Elena said. “I would like to thank the donors who provided me the opportunity to receive the scholarships, as they have allowed me to continue pursuing my goal of becoming a dentist.”

Jolena

“I decided to apply for a GBU Foundation scholarship to lighten the overall cost of school,” Jolena said. “I knew I wanted to go on for more schooling, and this really helped me do that.” Jolena studied at Ohio State University (OSU), starting at the branch campus in Wooster, Ohio, and then moved to the Columbus main campus. She studied communications and worked part-time for the university’s engagement center. She was responsible for reaching out to alumni and keeping them engaged through updates on the campus and hospital.

At OSU, Jolena was a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America national organization for students interested in public relations and related fields, the Practice student-run public relations firm on campus, and MUNDO, a club focusing on culture and diversity.

After graduating a year early, Jolena continued working for the engagement center and took a role at the American Jersey Cattle Association, an association promoting the Jersey cattle breed. Her responsibilities ranged from writing and sending press releases, updating their website and working on the association’s monthly magazine. Jolena still works remotely for the association.

“The American Jersey Cattle Association and the engagement center both really helped me get where I am now,” Jolena said. “I like working in education, and writing is something I’ve loved for as long as I can remember.”

After gaining a year of experience, she moved to Sandusky, Ohio, where she is the education reporter at the Sandusky Register. Jolena covers all things school-related for surrounding counties.

“I feel like I am doing some really important work through the position I have now,” Jolena said. “I’m acting as the messenger between the people making decisions that affect entire communities and those who live in them.”

She has collaborated with local superintendents and teachers and officials as high up as the Ohio lieutenant governor. She has covered news stories from statewide debates on private school voucher programs to local schools’ academic competitions.

“Our grandma, Betty Gioiello, was a big help when it came to applying for the scholarship,” Jolena said. “I’m very thankful for her and all the donors who have given to the GBU Foundation's scholarships.”

The Gioiello family has had seven GBU Foundation scholarship recipients in total. Cousins Doug, Matt, Danya and Madison Gioiello also received scholarships.

“No other investment yields as great a return as the investment in education.”

– Brad Henry, former Oklahoma Governor

Please consider donating to the GBU Foundation to support scholarships for extraordinary scholars and leaders like Celine, Presley, Mario, Elena and Jolena. Your gift directly impacts students like them and ripples through our communities and our world.

You may give online at gbu.org/foundation or mail a check to the GBU Foundation, 4254 Saw Mill Run Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3394. If you are interested in information about funding your own scholarship or educational grant at the GBU Foundation, please contact Charitable Giving and PR Specialist, Ken Elliott, at kenneth.elliott@gbu.org or 412-336-3246, or the Community Engagement Team at memberbenefits@gbu.org or 800-765-4428.

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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.

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 .

GBU Foundation Scholarships and Grants

27 Mar, 2024

Visit reporter.gbu.org/scholarships-and-grants-2024 for complete details and application links for the programs below. GBU Foundation Four-Year Scholarships Bert Waltenberger Memorial Scholarship Clarence O. Affelt Architecture/Fine Art Memorial Scholarship Two-Year Scholarships Undergraduate Scholarships Graduate Scholarships Educational Grants District 291–Summerhill-Lilly, PA, Scholarships District 1000–LFA Scholarship District 2000–ULS College and Seminary Scholarship District 2000–ULS Graduate, Business, Community College or Trade School Scholarship Additional Scholarships New England Fraternal Alliance Scholarships Pennsylvania Fraternal Alliance Scholarships GBU High School Freshman Grants

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