HERNDON, Va.–Northwest FCU and its charitable arm, NWFCU Foundation, recently awarded $140,000 in scholarships to 26 students and launched its new Higher Education Community College award as part of the Foundation’s annual Scholarship Program. The Foundation held a scholarship luncheon at Chantily National Golf and Country Club honoring the recipients’ achievements.
“This year’s winners represent the values and qualities that this scholarships seeks to promote – leadership, dedication and commitment to the community in which they live, work and play,” said Executive Director of the NWFCU Foundation Alexzandra Shade. "It is with great honor that we recognize the 26 award recipients for the 2017 scholarship year and award them a record $140,000, which takes us over $1,000,000 in awarded scholarships to 258 students since our program began 13 years ago."
The full list of recipients includes students from Virginia, Maryland, Washington, D.C., California, Florida, Massachusetts, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Washington.
At right, from left, Elizabeth Weatherly, Vice President for Institutional Advancement – Northern Virginia Community College; Dr. Julie Leidig, Provost – Northern Virginia Community College, Loudoun & Reston Campus; and Alexzandra N. Shade, NWFCU Foundation Executive Director)
The NWFCU Foundation said it continues to grow the scholarship program through donations and fundraising, such as the annual Drive for the Driven golf tournament and a recent car raffle.
“As our scholarship program grows, it is our privilege to recognize a greater number of deserving students by supporting their continuing education,” said Acting President and CEO of Northwest Federal, Jeff Bentley. “I’m especially pleased that we have expanded our program to include community college students in our area.”
The award luncheon marked the first presentation of the Foundation’s Higher Education Community College Award in conjunction with Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA).
“Northern Virginia Community College graduates step in to fill thousands of jobs in this region every year,” said Provost of NOVA’s Loudoun Campus Dr. Julie Leidig. “Many of our students are active duty military or veterans. Many are the first in their family to attend college. Many don’t have the resources to pursue their educational dreams without the existence of community colleges and the generosity of local foundations such as NWFCU Foundation.”