America First Credit Union Awards WSU History Major with Tom Connors Memorial Scholarship

Riverdale, Utah – America First Credit Union, dedicated to financial literacy in the communities it serves, honored Ryan Gross, a Weber State University (WSU) history major, with its annual Tom Connors Memorial Scholarship for the 2015 – 2016 academic school year. Gross, a junior at WSU, received a full-year tuition and fees scholarship in the amount of $5,339.00.

The History Scholarship was established in 1993.  In 2012 the scholarship was renamed the Tom Connors Memorial Scholarship in memory of Tom Connors, a volunteer for America First Credit Union for more than 30 years. Since naming the scholarship after Connors in fall of 2012, family and friends have continued to make donations in support. To qualify for the Tom Connors Memorial Scholarship, the recipient must have and maintain a 3.0 grade point average or better with a declared major in history.

“It’s a rewarding opportunity when we are able to financially assist deserving individuals, such as Ryan, with our history scholarship,” said John B. Lund, president and CEO of America First Credit Union. “As a credit union, we are dedicated to efforts supporting our community and to making educational dreams a reality. Giving this scholarship each year in Tom’s honor is a true testament to our deep and abiding human values.” 

Connors retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Chief Master Sergeant in 1989, after serving his country for more than 30 years. In 1995, he graduated from Weber State University with a degree in history and minors in political science and anthropology. He also earned his teaching certificate in special education and taught at Canyon View Elementary in Ogden, Utah. Connors won the Sallie Mae First-Class Teacher Award, given to outstanding first-year teachers.

Connors began his volunteer service at America First Credit Union on the Credit Committee in 1982. In 1992, he was elected to the Board of Directors and later served as Chair. In addition, he served on the Nominations and Lending Committees, as advisor to the Supervisory Committee, the Marketing, Legislative, and Finance Committees, and as Chairman of the Political Action Committee. Connors was also a member of the World Council of Credit Unions, where he was a development educator and involved in the community development program. 

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