Category: News

Today, we want to share the story of one of the 2023 scholarship recipients Brenna Whittaker. Please read on and consider how you can support the scholarship fund and help great local students like Brenna!

Words from Brenna…

Imagine the thrill of being recognized and awarded the RI CPCU Scholarship – this was an unforgettable moment of joy, gratitude, and a sense of immense relief for me. Thanks to this incredible financial support, some of the weight of college expenses has been lifted, allowing me to dive headfirst into my education without the constant worry of finances.

As an Art Therapy major, Emmanuel’s immersive art world has provided me with a diverse array of mediums to explore, fostering personal and artistic growth beyond measure. This scholarship has been essential to helping me purchase art supplies for my numerous classes. As a junior captain of the softball team, I’ve been entrusted with a leadership role, guiding, and inspiring my peers—a truly rewarding responsibility that has taught me invaluable lessons both on and off the field.

With the generous assistance of the scholarship, I’ve been empowered to fully embrace both academic pursuits and extracurricular passions, shaping and enriching my experience at Emmanuel College. Nestled in an ideal location for wicked big Sox fans like myself, Emmanuel offers a vibrant environment and sense of community with endless opportunities.

The impact of the RI CPCU Scholarship Fund extends far beyond financial aid; it is a means for support and encouragement that has transformed my collegiate journey. My heartfelt gratitude goes out to the compassionate donors whose investment in my future has helped pave the way for endless possibilities.

Brenna Whittaker
2023 Scholarship Recipient

Artwork by Brenna Whittaker

On June 15th, 2024, the Rhode Island CPCU Scholarship Fund proudly hosted its annual Scholarship Banquet at the Matunuck Oyster Bar.

This special event marked a significant milestone, celebrating both the exceptional achievements of our scholarship recipients and the resilience of the fund following the challenges brought on by the pandemic.

Michelle Pelletier, Secretary of the RI CPCU Scholarship Fund Board of Directors, warmly welcomed attendees, and future leaders, expressing her joy at the return of the banquet. “Tonight, we gather not only to celebrate the exceptional achievements of our scholarship recipients but also to mark a significant milestone for the fund,” Michelle said. “It brings us immense joy to bring back this banquet and celebrate nine hardworking, very smart, talented students as they pursue academic excellence.”

This year, we commemorated the 61st anniversary of the Rhode Island CPCU Chapter and the 37th year of our cherished Scholarship Fund. Since 1986, the Fund has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships to 223 deserving candidates. In 2023 alone, $44,000 was awarded to 11 outstanding students, thanks to the unwavering support of individual donors and corporate sponsors.

Brian Rusate, President of the RI CPCU Scholarship Fund, spoke about the impact the fund has had over the years. “Seeing the growth of this fund and the success of our scholarship recipients is incredibly rewarding,” Brian shared. “It’s not just about providing financial assistance; it’s about empowering the future leaders of our industry. Each scholarship we award helps open doors for these students, and I couldn’t be prouder of the contributions we’ve made.”

RI CPCU Scholarship Fund Treasurer Stefvan Dreznek joined Rusate to present the scholarship checks and certificates to each of the recipients. The evening celebrated ten outstanding students, each recognized for their academic and leadership accomplishments:

  • Isabella Bettencourt, incoming freshman at the University of Connecticut, pursuing a degree in education through the Teacher Preparation Pathway Program.
  • Jennie Cao, freshman at the Rhode Island School of Design, talented artist and violinist, aspiring to teach and inspire in the art community.
  • Dustin Dunhill, incoming sophomore at Assumption University pursuing a double major in Cybersecurity and Criminology.
  • Danielle Golub, incoming freshman at Tulane University, on a pre-med track aiming to become an infectious disease specialist.
  • Mary Heinold, incoming freshman at Hofstra University, studying Criminology with a passion for prison reform and social justice.
  • Satanvi Kavali, student at Bryant University, aiming for a career as a personal financial advisor.
  • Julia Laverty, incoming freshman at Brigham Young University, pursuing a degree in Elementary Education with minors in Political Science and Spanish.
  • Tyler Longest, sophomore at Clark University, passionate about game design and active in several development groups.
  • Brendan Resende, freshman at Sacred Heart University, pursuing a career as an investment analyst.
  • Joseph Silvia, sophomore at the University of Rhode Island, majoring in Finance and dedicated to community service.

As the evening concluded, Brian extended heartfelt thanks to all in attendance, especially the board members who have tirelessly supported the fund. “Your support fuels our mission and ensures that the RI CPCU Scholarship Fund will continue to empower future generations.”

We look forward to a bright future, driven by the hard work and talents of the scholars we celebrated this year.