Association Scholarship Winners Announced!

Joann Bergrud receives Arnold C. Paulson Scholarship, and Kelly Duchsherer receives continued endowment of the William O Knight Memorial Scholarship. ​

Bismarck, ND – The Dakota Credit Union Association is pleased to announce the winners of two prestigious financial assistance scholarships. The scholarships were announced at the association’s Awards Banquet that was held earlier this month at the Holiday Inn - Rushmore Plaza in Rapid City, South Dakota.
 
Joann Bergrud, Chief Operations Officer for North Star Community Credit Union (Maddock, ND) received the Arnold C. Paulson Scholarship. One scholarship is awarded each year to help defer costs associated with attending the association’s annual Summit. The Arnold C. Paulson Scholarship Fund was established in 1994 to promote the education of the credit union family as exemplified by the distinguished career of Arnold C. Paulson, who was president of the North Dakota League from 1973 – 1994. The criteria used to determine the winner includes future potential as a credit union leader, and contributions to the credit union movement.

Joann Bergrud is second from left with Jeff Olson, far left, and staff from North Star CCU.

Kelly Duchsherer, President of Affinity First FCU (Minot, ND) received the William O. Knight, Jr., Memorial Scholarship in 2021, which is an endowment that provides registration fees for eligible applicants to attend the three-year course of study through CUNA Management School. The course develops credit union leaders to their fullest potential and earns them their Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE) designation upon completion. Duchsherer will complete the course in 2023. This scholarship was established in 1964 in honor of William Knight, former managing director of the South Dakota Credit Union League.