Affinity Plus Foundation Awards More Than $100,000 in Scholarships To 36 Minnesota College Students

“Affinity Plus is committed to helping our members achieve their dreams. We are incredibly proud of these students and honored to award them each with a scholarship,” said Adam Layne, Senior Community Engagement Specialist, Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union. “Whether you’re a freshman, a graduate student, or a working adult returning to complete your degree, we know education is important and matters. We hope to continue our scholarship program so we can continue to give back to our members and see them grow.”  

The Affinity Plus Foundation offers scholarships to member students as a way for them to empower themselves and their communities. This year, the Foundation awarded at least one student hailing from one of more than 20 Minnesota communities where Affinity Plus has a branch, while also awarding a scholarship to a student member attending a Minnesota-based college campus where Affinity Plus has a partnership or branch.

The winners, by community and school include:

• Anna Joy – Alexandria
• Grace Lauderbaugh – Bemidji
• Alena Rehberger – Brainerd
• Abigail Scott – Cambridge
• Lorraine Wongbi – Coon Rapids
• Garner Moffat – Duluth
• Brita Larsen – Duluth
• Merlea Mrozik – Duluth
• Rachel Larson – Eagan
• Gabrielle Yetzer – Faribault
• Shannon Kill – Fergus Falls
• Julia Hanson – Grand Rapids
• Mary Beth Collins – Hastings
• Sabina Berg – Lakeville
• Thomas Braswell – Mankato
• Roman Zych – Minneapolis
• Samuel Birkholz – Moorhead
• Alicia Cerney – New Hope
• Ella Hanson – Rochester
• Alia Tang – Roseville
• Andrew Halverson – Roseville
• Rita Rai – Roseville
• Tilak Bhatta – St. Cloud
• Clare Gallahue – St. Paul
• Ross Herber – Winona
• Ziigwan Frazer – Bemidji State University
• McKenzie Starkey – Lake Superior College
• Morgan Anderson – Minnesota State University Mankato
• Lotanna Umunna – Minnesota State University Moorhead
• Joel Adeyemo – St. Cloud State University
• Gladys Owusu – St. Cloud State University
• Erin Massmann – University of Minnesota – Duluth
• Alissa Teigland – Winona State University
• KC (Kai) Pavus – University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
• Lindsay Bacher – University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
• Ruby Wesley – University of Minnesota – Twin Cities

Founded in 2000, the Affinity Plus Foundation has provided more than $1 million in financial support to students, community organizations, and educators across Minnesota. The Affinity Plus Foundation better positions people to pursue their dreams by providing access to education and training, supporting entrepreneurs, building kind and inclusive communities, and ensuring all people have their basic needs met.

Learn more about our scholarship winners.