DCUC Announces 2025 GEM Scholarship Recipients

The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) proudly announced the recipients of the 2025 George E. Myers (GEM) Scholarship during its annual Defense Matters event on March 4, 2025, at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C.

​This year’s scholarship honorees include Kimberly Minnick (RG FCU), John Autry (Air Academy CU), George De Leon (Border FCU), and Al Rose (University CU). Each recipient will use the scholarship to advance their credit union education and leadership skills through specialized programs.

Minnick, a Recovery Specialist at R-G Federal Credit Union, will attend the cuLEAD Academy with the Cornerstone League. “I am hoping to gain knowledge and insights of how credit unions work and what I can do better to improve our collections and lending processes,” she said.

Autry, Director of Commercial Lending and Business Services at Air Academy Credit Union, will participate in America’s Credit Union’s Business Lending Roundtable on February 5-6, 2025. “I love the collaborative nature of credit unions. I will establish contacts throughout the country who are at various stages of their business lending journey,” he noted. “I will be able to gain insight on best practices and secure resources that will ensure we continue to build our program the right way.”

De Leon, Lending Manager at Border FCU, will also attend the Business Lending Roundtable in San Diego, California. “Border FCU is in the process of developing a new Small Business Lending Program, which is needed in our communities of Del Rio, Texas, and Eagle Pass, Texas,” he explained. “Within Border FCU’s business plan, the goal is to get this new program started in 2025, and the George E. Myers scholarship will serve as great assistance.”

Rose, President/CEO of University CU, will attend DCUC’s 2025 Annual Conference. “[The conference] offers significant benefits to University Credit Union, our members, and the broader community,” he stated. “As a recent member of DCUC, this conference provides a unique platform to enhance understanding of military financial services by participating in educational sessions that will deepen our understanding of the latest critical issues affecting the defense credit union industry.”

The GEM Scholarship supports volunteers, management, and staff of DCUC member credit unions in furthering their education and leadership development. Scholarship recipients can use the funds to attend educational forums at little or no cost to their credit union.

"The George E. Myers Scholarship is a meaningful way to invest in the dedicated professionals and volunteers who drive the credit union movement forward," said Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO. "We take great pride in supporting their growth and development, and we look forward to seeing how this year’s recipients apply their knowledge to strengthen their credit unions and communities."

Established in 1996, the scholarship honors COL George E. Myers, USA (Ret.), who served as Executive Secretary of the Council from 1973-1986 and 1989-1990. He was inducted into DCUC’s Hall of Honor in 2000. Since 1997, DCUC has awarded 77 scholarships, totaling over 229,000, funded entirely by DCUC’s annual Official White House Christmas Ornament Fundraiser.

​This year’s ornament sales will run from August to December. For more information on DCUC’s GEM Scholarship or the Official White House Christmas Ornament Fundraiser, please contact DCUC Executive Office Manager, Letia Brown at [email protected].