Saint Louis, MO. June 1, 2021 –Together Credit Union, with the support of the Together Foundation, has awarded $13,500 college scholarships to graduating seniors from the Greater St. Louis area through the Vince Jacknewitz Scholarship Program. 

“As juniors, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted their lives, yet they persevered. As seniors, the uncertainty continued, and yet they thrived. Their determination drove them to push through their challenges and create new opportunities to learn and grow,” said Pier Alsup, Chief Diversity Officer for Together Credit Union and Together Foundation Board Chair.   

“We are unbelievably proud of what these students overcame and what they will become, and wish them all the best as they set off on their collegiate journeys.”

The following recipients will each receive a $1,500 college scholarship for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year: 

• Chloe Cousin, Notre Dame High School, Saint Louis University 
• Ethan Kaufman, Oakville High School, University of MO Kansas City
• Jacob Backsman, Oakville High School, University of Missouri-Columbia
• Jaya Greene, Brentwood High School, Tennessee State University
• Kaitlyn Thorton, Ladue Horton Watkins High School, Washington University in St. Louis
• Kylie Hope, St. Charles High School, Missouri State University
• Maggie Kraus, Ursuline Academy, Rockhurst University
• Sophia Lanzafame, Notre Dame High School, Southwest Baptist University
• Zoe De Young, Parkway West High School, Webster University

Since 1994, the credit union and its foundation have awarded more than 150 scholarships to college-bound seniors. The scholarship program was renamed in 2001 in honor of the late Vince Jacknewitz, who served on the Board of Directors for Together Credit Union, formerly Anheuser-Busch Employees’ Credit Union, from 1984-2001, and as Board Chair from 1995-1996. To date, more than $200,000 in scholarship dollars have been awarded. 

Vince Jacknewitz Scholarship recipients are members of the credit union’s Young Adult Financial Group, a criteria for eligibility, and were selected by a committee of judges. As part of the application process, applicants submitted an information packet, which included a record of academic achievements, letters of recommendation, a list of scholastic and community activities, and a written or video essay.

For more information regarding this release, please contact Julie Linder, Public Relations & Events Strategist, by calling (573) 268-0639.

About the Credit Union: As a member-owned, community-focused, not-for-profit financial institution, the Credit Union offers a comprehensive list of banking products and financial services at 27 branches nationwide and through 24/7 Member resources and amenities. In addition, Members can access their accounts and perform transactions at more than 5,600 shared branch locations and self-service shared branch express terminals, as well as more than 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs, through the CO-OP Shared Branch Network in all 50 states. 

With more than $1.82 billion in total assets and 132,000 members nationwide, Together Credit Union is named a 2019 Best Credit Union in Missouri by Forbes Magazine and ranked as a “Top 150,” credit union in the U.S. The credit union was also chosen as a 2019 Corporate Philanthropy honoree by both the Credit Union National Association and the St. Louis Business Journal.