The Affinity Foundation has announced the recipients of its 2026 higher education scholarship program. Since 2005, the initiative has supported student members of Affinity Federal Credit Union in their pursuit of two- or four-year degrees. The Affinity Foundation evaluates applicants based on academic performance, community engagement, and local leadership.
“Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to build stronger, more resilient communities,” said Kelly Watts, Executive Director of the Affinity Foundation. “This year, expanding our scholarship programs allowed us to recognize an even broader range of achievement, ambition and community spirit. We could not be prouder of what this year’s recipients have accomplished and are excited to see the impact they’ll make in the years ahead. Congratulations to these seven stand-out students.”
After a thorough review by the scholarship committee, the Affinity Foundation selected the seven award recipients who each receive a grant of $2,500 to pursue their educational goals in the 2026-2027 academic year.
Winners include:
- Dominick DeAngelo, Arcadia University (Class of 2030)
- Antony Buniowski, Grinnell College (Class of 2030)
- Natalie Pape, West Chester University (Class of 2030)
- Arjun Jain, Case Western Reserve University (Class of 2030)
- Valentino Liberti, University of South Florida (Class of 2030)
- Jane Rodrigues, Wilkes University (Class of 2030)
- Sergio Provini, Raritan Valley Community College (Class of 2030)
This year, the scholarship program added the John T. Fenton Memorial Scholarship alongside its longstanding Robert L. Birkhahn Community Spirit Scholarship, Richard A. Romano Rutgers Scholarship, Affinity Continuing Education Scholarship, and Raritan Valley Community College Scholarship.
Rodrigues is the inaugural recipient of the John T. Fenton Memorial Scholarship, a new award established in memory of John Fenton, who served as President and CEO of Affinity Federal Credit Union for 27 years, from 1995 until his retirement in 2023, and later as Board Chair of the Affinity Foundation. Under his leadership, Affinity grew into the largest credit union headquartered in New Jersey. Fenton passed away in January 2026, and the Foundation established this scholarship to carry forward his deep belief in the power of education and his commitment to the cooperative, “people helping people” spirit he championed throughout his career.
“John Fenton was my mentor, my friend, and a respected leader in the credit union movement,” said Kevin Brauer, CEO and President of Affinity Federal Credit Union. “I had the privilege of working alongside John for years before stepping into this role, and I saw firsthand the passion he brought to this organization and the deep care he had for every member and employee at Affinity. His fingerprints are on everything we do today, from our culture to our commitment to the communities we serve. Establishing this scholarship in his name is a small way to honor an extraordinary legacy and make sure his belief in the power of education lives on.”
The Affinity Foundation granted The Robert L. Birkhahn Community Spirit Scholarship to DeAngelo, Buniowski, Pape, Jain, and Liberti. This award honors Affinity’s late Executive Vice President, Robert “Bob” L. Birkhahn, who embodied the community values that it celebrates. Provini received the Raritan Valley Community College Scholarship, awarded to high school, undergraduates, or transfer students pursuing their degree at Raritan Valley Community College in Somerset County, New Jersey.
To apply for a scholarship, students must be Affinity Federal Credit Union members and United States residents. They must provide an essay or video discussing an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of their community. Applicants must also submit two letters of recommendation and a full account of their academic information, extracurricular activities, honors, awards, community service, and work experience.
About Affinity Federal Credit Union
Affinity Federal Credit Union is the largest credit union headquartered in New Jersey, proudly serving members with over 20 branches across the tri-state area. Ranked among the top 2% of all credit unions nationwide by asset size, Affinity offers a full range of banking, lending, and financial education resources designed to help members achieve lasting financial security. Guided by a mission to improve financial wellbeing, Affinity is a member-owned, community-focused institution built on the philosophy of people helping people, empowering individuals and families to reach their unique financial goals. Learn more at www.affinityfcu.com.
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