Iowa Credit Union Foundation Awards $48,000 to Scholarship Winners

POSTED on May 27, 2026 IN ICUF

Record Number of Applicants Highlights Continued Investment in Iowa Students. Read the press release below to learn more.

DES MOINES – The Iowa Credit Union Foundation (ICUF) is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of its Warren A. Morrow Scholarship, awarding a total of $48,000 in scholarships to 25 Iowa credit union members. This year’s program reflects ICUF’s continued commitment to supporting students in their pursuit of higher education, following a record number of applicants.

Warren A. Morrow devoted his life and career to serving underserved communities and uplifting the Hispanic population. To honor his legacy, the Iowa Credit Union Foundation awards scholarships to Iowa credit union members through the Warren A. Morrow Scholarship program. Scholarships may be used toward accredited graduate, four-year, two-year, trade, or vocational programs, supporting both traditional and nontraditional educational pathways. This year’s awards include 17 high school recipients, with one additional scholarship supported by an anonymous donor, as well as eight post-high school students.

“Year after year, we are inspired by the incredible stories and aspirations shared by our applicants,” said Ena Babic Barnes, Executive Director of ICUF. “It is clear that Iowa students are committed to building strong financial futures and creating meaningful contributions to their communities. ICUF is proud to support and invest in credit union members’ continued success and educational journeys."

The 17 high school senior recipients are:

• $3,000 to Sophie Matlock, a member of Allen Hospital Personnel Credit Union and a graduating senior at Waterloo East High School, Waterloo, IA
• $3,000 to Elijah Depaz, a member of Community 1st Credit Union and a graduating senior at Ottumwa High School, Ottumwa, IA
• $3,000 to Elizabeth (Lizzy) Wolf, a member of Corda Credit Union and a graduating senior at Benton Community High School, Atkins, IA
• $3,000 to Lauren Tesar, a member of Greater Iowa Credit Union and a graduating senior at Johnston High School, Urbandale, IA
• $2,000 to Shelby Hansen, a member of Collins Community Credit Union and a graduating senior at Xavier High School, Cedar Rapids, IA
• $2,000 to Olivia Hanniford, a member of Dupaco Community Credit Union and a graduating senior at Dubuque Senior High School, Dubuque, IA
• $2,000 to Emily Roche, a member of MEMBERS1st Community Credit Union and a graduating senior at Gilbert High School, Ames, IA
• $2,000 to William Rich, a member of Meridian Credit Union and a graduating senior at Ottumwa High School, Ottumwa, IA
• $2,000 to Wyatt Fettkether, a member of Veridian Credit Union and a graduating senior at Dunkerton High School, Dunkerton, IA
• $1,500 to Hailey Boots, a member of Community Choice Credit Union and a graduating senior at Urbandale High School, Ankeny, IA
• $1,500 to Faith Shirbroun, a member of Fort Dodge Family Credit Union and a graduating senior at St. Edmond, Fort Dodge, IA
• $1,500 to William Youngblut, a member of Serve Credit Union and a graduating senior at Ankeny High School, Ankeny, IA
• $1,500 to Eva Wyatt, a member of The Family Credit Union and a graduating senior at North Scott High School, Eldridge, IA
• $1,000 to Cooper Chizek, a member of CENT Credit Union and a graduating senior at Emmetsburg High School, Emmetsburg, IA
• $1,000 to Hannah Garza, a member of North Iowa Community Credit Union and a homeschooled graduating senior, Mason City, IA
• $1,000 to Destiny Stokes, a member of Veridian Credit Union and a graduating senior at Hoover High School, Des Moines, IA
• $1,000 to Nick Berumez, a member of Dupaco Community Credit Union and a graduating senior at Columbus Catholic High School, Waterloo, IA

The eight post-high school recipients are:

• $2,000 to Hayden Wade, member of Premier Credit Union who currently attends Iowa State University
• $2,000 to Sabrina Rodriguez, member of Veridian Credit Union who currently attends Drake University
• $2,000 to Clare Loussaert, member of GreenState Credit Union who currently attends University of Iowa
• $2,000 to Sara Francisco, member of Community 1st Credit Union who currently attends Upper Iowa University
• $2,000 to Celeste Calderon-De Haro, member of I.H. Mississippi Valley Credit Union who currently attends Augustana College
• $2,000 to Anneliese Sallee, member of 5 Star Community Credit Union who currently attends University of Northern Iowa
• $2,000 to Corrina Voigt, member of DuTrac Community Credit Union who currently attends Upper Iowa University
• $2,000 to Faith Hurlbert, member of Telco Triad Community Credit Union who currently attends Briar Cliff University

Applicants completed an online entry form and responded to an essay question. This year’s prompt asked students to reflect on the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People,” sharing a story about how collaboration or teamwork helped them, their family, or their community achieve a goal. Students also explored how this cooperative spirit shapes their view of financial success and the role their credit union can play in supporting their future.

For the past 30 years, the Iowa Credit Union Foundation (ICUF) has worked to champion financial well-being for all Iowans. Since its founding in 1995 to aid in flood recovery efforts, ICUF has dedicated more than $5.2 million in programs, initiatives and grants throughout Iowa communities.

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Founded in 1995 as the philanthropic arm of the Iowa Credit Union League (ICUL), ICUF’s mission, guided by the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people’, is to champion financial well-being for all. For more information, visit www.IowaCreditUnionFoundation.org.