This post was written by the former Estonian Credit Union, now Northern Birch Credit Union.
Congratulations to all of our 2019 ECU Ekbaum Scholarship recipients!
Since 1990, the Estonian Credit Union has supported post-secondary students with a scholarship opportunity. The ECU Ekbaum Scholarship is designed to support our young members in pursing their educational goals, while encouraging them to stay involved in the local Estonian community.
We were happy to award 8 students with ECU Ekbaum Scholarships this year, at our 65th Anniversary AGM.
Let’s take a look at this year’s recipients:
Krista Poolsaar – Ryerson University, Mechanical Engineering
Krista told us that ECU is her financial institution because she “likes how it is integrated with the Eesti community.” Krista has been involved with the Estonian Guides for as long as she can remember, and has been a leader since 2014.
Mark Pettinen – Ryerson University, Business, Entrepreneurship & Strategy
Mark chooses ECU because of how flexible and innovative ECU banking is, including the no minimum balance and no transaction limits. Mark is the Vice President of the Ryerson Entrepreneurship Association, and is active in the local Estonian community, with plans to join Korp! Vironia in the fall.
Keili Moore – McGill University, International Development
Keili’s childhood is filled with memories of attending the different local Estonian summer camps, including Kotkajärve and Jõekääru. She chooses ECU as her financial institution, even while living in Montreal.
Katrine Eistrat – University of Waterloo, Mechanical Engineering
Katrine says that “Terve pank (ECU) kiirgab soojust mida julgustab mind küsida oma panganduse kohta et mõista mida ma roma rahaga teen.” Katrine started playing volleyball at the JK Volleyball camp when she was 9 years old, and now continues to play on the University of Waterloo Women’s Volleyball team.
Robi Cyrwus – University of Toronto, Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Robi says that he has two passions that he’s followed throughout this life, being a scout and competitive fencing. He continues with these passions today as a Scout Leader for the Skautlipkond Põhtjakotka, and by fencing for the UofT varsity team. He feels that through ECU’s dedication to the Estonian community, it is an institution worth supporting.
Katrina Dobson – University of Groningen, Research Master in Behavioural and Cognitive Neurosciences
Katrina banks with ECU because they “provide the personal support of a small business while still providing all the benefits and security of a larger institution.” Katrina has a Bachelor of Science from McGill University and now continues her studies in the Netherlands at the University of Groningen.
Aleksa Gold – University of Toronto, Life Science
ECU is Aleksa’s ”esimene ja ainus pank” – her first, and only bank. Aleksa has taken part in many local Estonian community groups throughout her life, including attending Estonian school, girl guides and summer camps. She now swims on the Toronto Varsity Blues swimming team.
Serena Vilde – York University, Bachelor of Environmental Science
Serena has taken part in many local Estonian community groups, and has sung in the local choirs, and travelled to Estonia to take part of the Song Festival. She likes doing her finances at ECU because as a member, she is a shareholder and owner.
Thank you to all of our scholarship recipients! Check back early next year for the next opportunity to apply. We are also happy to introduce a new bursary exchange opportunity, for young members travelling to Estonia. Please find more information on our website.
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