BASKING RIDGE, N.J. (Somerset County) — The Affinity Foundation has awarded scholarships to seven student members of Affinity Federal Credit Union to help support their college education during the 2026-27 academic year.
The foundation announced the recipients of its annual higher education scholarship program, which has supported students pursuing two- and four-year degrees since 2005. Applicants are evaluated based on academic achievement, community involvement and local leadership.
“Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to build stronger, more resilient communities,” said Kelly Watts, executive director of the Affinity Foundation. “This year, expanding our scholarship programs allowed us to recognize an even broader range of achievement, ambition and community spirit. We could not be prouder of what this year’s recipients have accomplished and are excited to see the impact they’ll make in the years ahead. Congratulations to these seven stand-out students.”
Each recipient will receive a $2,500 scholarship to pursue higher education during the 2026-27 academic year.
The scholarship recipients are:
- Dominick DeAngelo, Arcadia University
- Antony Buniowski, Grinnell College
- Natalie Pape, West Chester University
- Arjun Jain, Case Western Reserve University
- Valentino Liberti, University of South Florida
- Jane Rodrigues, Wilkes University
- Sergio Provini, Raritan Valley Community College
This year’s program introduced the John T. Fenton Memorial Scholarship, which was awarded for the first time to Rodrigues.
The scholarship honors the late John T. Fenton, who served as president and CEO of Affinity Federal Credit Union from 1995 until his retirement in 2023 before becoming chair of the Affinity Foundation’s board. Fenton died in January 2026.
“John Fenton was my mentor, my friend, and a respected leader in the credit union movement,” said Kevin Brauer, CEO and president of Affinity Federal Credit Union. “I had the privilege of working alongside John for years before stepping into this role, and I saw firsthand the passion he brought to this organization and the deep care he had for every member and employee at Affinity. His fingerprints are on everything we do today, from our culture to our commitment to the communities we serve. Establishing this scholarship in his name is a small way to honor an extraordinary legacy and make sure his belief in the power of education lives on.”
The Affinity Foundation also awarded its Robert L. Birkhahn Community Spirit Scholarship to DeAngelo, Buniowski, Pape, Jain and Liberti. Provini received the Raritan Valley Community College Scholarship.
To qualify, applicants must be members of Affinity Federal Credit Union and U.S. residents. Applicants are also required to submit an essay or video, two letters of recommendation and information about their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, community service and work experience.
