Congratulations to the winners of our 2007 Walter J. Kostecky Memorial Scholarships! Five Winners, all of whom submitted exceptional essays, were chosen from an outstanding field of entries. Each of the winners will receive a $750.00 scholarship to further his or her education. 

The applicants were asked the following questions:

What is a credit union?  How do credit unions differ from banks?  In your opinion, what advantages do credit unions have over banks?  What services do you feel will be important to our future members?  Briefly describe the credit union of tomorrow.

Winners are:

Lisa Myers of Lancaster, New York. 

Lisa is attending Mercyhurst College in Erie, Pennsylvania.  Lisa believes "educating the public on the differences and advantages credit unions have over banks is crucial" to the evolvement of the credit union of the future.

Molly Herdzik of Lancaster, New York       

Molly is attending Syracuse University and is majoring in Mathematics.  Molly affirms that "in an evolving world where convenience is stressed above all else", credit unions must continue to advance technologically to ensure its survival in the future.

Alexander Schmidt of Lancaster, New York

Alex is attending Canisius College and is majoring in Accounting. Alex believes "a credit union's claim to fame is being able to provide superior member service and commit itself to helping members improve their financial health

Brandon Kwiatkowski of Elma, New York

Brandon is attending Hilbert College and is majoring in Criminal Justice. Brandon asks "why wait in long lines and be unfamiliar with whom you are doing business?  Whenever I would go to a bank, I was just another face in the crowd, because quite frankly I never dealt with the same person.  The credit union stands by its original intent, "people helping people".