Connex Credit Union Awards $5,000 in Scholarships

North Haven, Conn. (May 15, 2014) – Connex Credit Union recently awarded scholarships to three North Haven-based high school students who are headed to college in the fall of 2014. Through its ConnexCares program, Connex offers scholarships to deserving students who can use the money toward college expenses such as tuition or other school-related expenses.

This year, Connex asked students to submit an essay on the topic of “What are your personal financial goals and what is your strategy to reach them?”

The recipient of this year’s Arthur B. Haesche Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $2,000 is Victoria Adinolfi, a senior at North Haven High School.  This scholarship, established and named in honor of one of the founding fathers of Connex Credit Union, is awarded annually to a student majoring in business or finance. An honor student, Victoria is focused on paying for her college expenses and vows not to get into credit card debt.

The recipient of this year’s Nicolas G. Hackett Memorial Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 is Angela DeFilippo, a senior at North Haven High School. This scholarship was established in memory of Nick Hackett, a longtime volunteer at Connex Credit Union. Angela is a Secretary of the National Honor Society and a member of Mu Alpha Theta, a math honor society. In addition, Victoria is on the varsity lacrosse team, serves on the student council and many other extracurricular activities. Angela credits the Connex Teen Green Account for helping her to understand her finances and prepare her for managing her finances in the future.

The recipient of the John R. Edwards Community Involvement Scholarship is Julia Silverstein, a senior at Cooperative Arts and Humanities High School in New Haven. This scholarship, in the amount of $2,000, was established in honor of Connex’s former President and CEO who served more than 35 years. This scholarship is awarded to a student who demonstrates a commitment to community service. Julia is an awarded violin player, enjoys singing and dancing and has amassed an impressive community service record with more than 800 hours of service. Some of Julia’s community service experience includes tutoring other students, Habitat for Humanity and various efforts to support the elderly and homeless.

“On behalf of everyone here at Connex, I congratulate each student receiving these scholarships for their hard work and commitment,” said Carl J. Casper, vice president of customer advocacy, Connex Credit Union. “It is an honor to award students for their achievements and we wish them success during their collegiate years.”

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 47,000 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 or Middlesex 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 www.connexcu.org.