Three Local Students Awarded $5,000 in Scholarships from Connex Credit Union

After reviewing more than 50 applications, Connex Credit Union has selected three local students as the 2017 winners of its annual scholarship program. As part of its ConnexCares philanthropic initiative, the credit union awards $5,000 each year to assist with the high cost of tuition, books and living expenses.

To qualify, students were required to meet a strict set of educational standards and submit an essay highlighting the biggest financial challenge facing young adults – and how they plan to overcome it.

The Arthur B. Haesche Memorial Scholarship ($2,000) was established and named in honor of one of the founding members of Connex Credit Union, and is awarded to a student majoring in business or finance. This year’s recipient, Mitchell Ives, is a Farmington High School Senior who was recently named Most Promising Future Business Leader by his peers. He plans to major in Business and Engineering at one of the four major universities he has been accepted to.

(Photo 1: Connex President Frank Mancini (right) presents Mitchell Ives (left) with the $2,000 Arthur B. Haesche Memorial Scholarship)

The Nicolas G. Hackett Memorial Scholarship ($1,000) was established in memory of Nick Hackett, a longtime volunteer at Connex Credit Union. The 2017 recipient, Durham resident Hope Mercugliano, is a senior at Mother of Divine Grace School. Mercugliano has been a straight “A” student for the entirety of her high school career and has also earned numerous scholastic, leadership and community service awards. This fall, she will be enrolling in the nursing program at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio.

(Photo 2: Connex President Frank Mancini (right) presents Hope Mercugliano (left) with the $1,000 Nicolas G. Hackett Memorial Scholarship)

The John R. Edwards Community Involvement Scholarship ($2,000) was established in honor of Connex’s former President and CEO of more than 35 years, and is awarded to a student demonstrating a commitment to community service. This year’s winner, Lyman Hall High School Senior Megan Lane, recently earned a Certificate of Recognition for exemplary volunteer service from her hometown of Wallingford, as well as the President’s Volunteer Service Award for a commitment to strengthening our nation and communities through philanthropic efforts. Furthermore, she has worked closely with Habitat for Humanity, Masonicare and other altruistic organizations.

(Photo 3: Connex President Frank Mancini (right) presents Megan Lane (left) with the $2,000 John R. Edwards Community Involvement Scholarship.)

“While reviewing applications, I was truly inspired by the incredibly smart and dedicated young adults living within our communities,” said Frank Mancini, president and chief executive officer, Connex Credit Union. “The potential for these teens is limitless and, on behalf of Connex Credit Union, I wish them the best of luck as they embark on this exciting new phase of their lives.”

To learn more about ConnexCares or any of Connex’s other financial programs, please visit connexcu.org.

About ConnexCares:

ConnexCares is Connex Credit Union’s charitable and philanthropic program. The mission through ConnexCares is to promote financial literacy, well-being and understanding to our members and the greater communities Connex serves.

About Connex Credit Union:

As the Unbank, Connex Credit Union is one of Connecticut’s largest credit unions serving more than 48,000 members at 7 branches throughout greater New Haven. Headquartered in North Haven, Connecticut, Connex is a full-service member-owned credit union that offers members a full-range of financial services and products, including savings and loans, Unbank Checking, Smart Score credit score range, free online and mobile banking and more. Membership is open to anyone who lives, works, attends school or worships in New Haven, Hartford, Middlesex or Fairfield Counties. Connex Credit Union helps guide and improve members’ financial lives through the Connex Advocacy Promises: We will always work in your best interest; we will work with you to understand your goals, identify your financial needs and provide solutions to improve your life; and we will be responsive to you and make your experience simpler, faster and friendlier. It’s time to Unbank! For more information, please call 1-800-CR-UNION or visit connexcu.org.