New scholarship program launches for WMU’s College of Aviation Students
Kalamazoo, MI – Advia Credit Union has pledged $30,000 in the form of $1,000 scholarships to the Youth Scholarships Program for high school seniors who exhibit academic achievement, leadership skills, and commitment to community. Applications will be accepted now through March 31, 2023.
Additionally, Advia has launched a new scholarship program designed specifically for Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation students currently enrolled or recently accepted into the program. The scholarship, called the Cheryl A. DeBoer Soar Higher Award, is in the amount of $5,000 and will be awarded to two students. Applications for the aviation scholarship will also be accepted through March 31, 2023.
“We are pleased to not only bring back our annual youth scholarships, but to also introduce the new Cheryl A. DeBoer Soar Higher Award,” said Nancy Loftis, Advia’s VP of Marketing and Public Relations. The Soar Higher Award is in honor of Advia’s former President & CEO, Cheryl DeBoer, who recently retired. Cheryl’s career included over 18 years with Advia and 40 years within the credit union industry. Advia created this award to celebrate Cheryl’s passion for aviation and her illustrious credit union career. “We’re very excited to honor Cheryl and to help contribute to the liftoff of other future leaders through this prestigious award," said Loftis.
Dr. Raymond Thompson, Dean of Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation, added, "We are honored that Advia Credit Union chose WMU's College of Aviation students to be the recipients of the inaugural Cheryl A. DeBoer Soar Higher scholarship. Aviation is a thrilling industry and career. The College prides itself on preparing our next generation of aviators to enter and thrive within the industry. We recognize that sometimes financial barriers can be nearly impossible to climb for some of our students. With partners like Advia and the Cheryl A. DeBoer Soar Higher scholarship, it alleviates part of that burden. The College is humbled by the generosity of Advia's Board of Directors."
For more information about WMU’s College of Aviation program, visit https://wmich.edu/aviation.
To learn more about Advia’s scholarships, visit us at https://www.adviacu.org/community/advia-foundation.
About Advia Credit Union
Advia Credit Union’s mission is to provide financial advantages to its members. With nearly $2.9 billion in assets, Advia seeks to provide quick and easy access to money and time-saving financial tools to nearly 200,000 members in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Advia’s team of over 500 professionals delivers excellent service and innovative products at 28 locations and via digital and mobile platforms. Advia is guided by its core values: driving progress, acting with integrity, building, and strengthening relationships, and keeping people at the core. Visit www.adviacu.org to learn more about how Advia provides Real Advantages for Real People™.