MADISON, Wis. (August 26, 2025) — Ten UW System students were awarded $3,000 this month through UW Credit Union’s Community Values Scholarship program. The annual award recognizes undergraduate students throughout Wisconsin for their volunteerism, campus engagement and community-centered employment.
2025 marks a record number of Community Values applicants, with submissions increasing by 100% annually since 2022. As students grapple with economic uncertainty and an evolving federal loan landscape, many are feeling the pinch. Scholarships are in high demand and offer a way for students to offset tuition and the rising costs of textbooks.
“Today, everything is more expensive, which means families are able to contribute less to tuition,” said UW Credit Union Financial Educator and Inclusion Advocate Erin Bykowski. “During this challenging student loan season, scholarships are a critical source of student aid. These winners are tenacious in making their campuses and communities stronger. They are so deserving of this support.”
From food insecurity and sustainability to medical rights and underrepresentation, the 2025 winners are tackling some of the most pressing issues in the country. Winners include:
- Karen Contreras, Madison College — As a fitness instructor, Contreras promotes the importance of an active lifestyle and works to increase accessibility to wellness programs and equipment. She is president of her campus rec club and hosts free strength training classes.
- Jordyn Czyzewski, UW-Madison — Czyzewski runs Re-Wear It, a student organization promoting conscious consumerism and sustainable fashion. Through clothing swaps, mending hours and fashion shows, she has saved students and faculty nearly $30,000.
- Kathleen Dahle, UW-Madison — Through her volunteer work with a local food pantry, Dahle advocates for food security initiatives while educating community members on hunger-related issues. Her inventory management maximized the organization’s efficiency and reach.
- Lauren Elzy, UW-La Crosse— Elzy joined the Global Scholars Club to raise awareness about rare diseases and disability rights. She also obtained a Rare Disease Day proclamation from the governor to boost community engagement and medical resources.
- Liam Ferraro, UW-Green Bay — After participating in multiple humanitarian missions, Ferraro left Montreal to study in the United States. He quickly took an active role in mentoring international students to help them balance their schedules and obtain a sense of belonging.
- Kayla Hornat, UW-Stevens Point — Weekly volunteer work with her on-campus food pantry enables Hornat to tackle food insecurity head-on with peers and community members, creating more efficient operations and a welcoming environment for those in need.
- Saira Segura Ibarra, UW-Whitewater — Segura Ibarra serves as a tour guide and mentor to Latino families and first-generation students. Through her role with Latinos Unidos, she combats underrepresentation and works to remove barriers to academic success.
- Madison Kremer, UW-Madison — Through Future Business Leaders of America, Kremer initiated a fundraiser for March of Dimes and a service project to benefit the Ronald McDonald House. She’s also involved with Junior Achievement High School Heroes.
- Carli Ourada, UW-Oshkosh — Ourada connects first-generation students to campus resources and career development opportunities. She addresses impostor syndrome to spur student engagement and advocacy and participates in the Women’s Advocacy Council.
- Elaina Raicu, UW-Milwaukee — Raicu’s strong business acumen blossomed in high school, where her participation in a national business organization (DECA Inc.) connected her to multiple service projects benefiting Make-A-Wish and Special Olympics.
Since 2013, more than 100 students have received Community Values scholarships. Any new or returning full-time undergraduate students attending a UW System school, Madison College or Edgewood College are eligible to apply. Students must be UW Credit Union members. To learn more, visit www.uwcu.org/about-us/community-giving/scholarship.
About UW Credit Union
UW Credit Union is a growing, federally insured financial institution and a leading provider of a full range of financial services to University of Wisconsin communities. UW Credit Union’s more than 900 employees serve the financial needs of over 375,000 members through world-class technology systems and a convenient network of 35 branch locations and more than 100 ATMs. With $6 billion in assets, UW Credit Union is ranked nationally among the leading credit unions. Founded more than 90 years ago by members of the University of Wisconsin faculty and staff, UW Credit Union continues to operate as a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative with locations in the Madison, Milwaukee, Stevens Point, Green Bay, Oshkosh, Whitewater and La Crosse areas.
