Thank you for your interest in the Wakota FCU's Mary Ann Kosel Memorial Scholarship.
Who was Mary Ann Kosel? Mary Ann Kosel had a profound influence on credit unions in Minnesota that has spanned over 50 years - as a member, employee, volunteer, director, mentor, counselor, facilitator, consultant, and most of all a friend to all. Her welcoming and kind spirit was always appreciated. She brought a peaceful calm and clarity to all interactions. She became a member of Wakota FCU in 1991 and shortly thereafter was appointed to the Supervisory Committee. She was then elected to the Board in 1996 and served 7 consecutive 3-year terms until resigning in 2017.
Wakota FCU was fortunate to have her in an executive role on our board and serving as the Chair during most of that time. Not only did she sit on the board, but she served on every committee the credit union ever had during her tenure. Mary Ann believed strongly in the credit union principles "People helping People", and "Cooperation Among Cooperatives", and was personally instrumental in perpetuating the movement here in Minnesota. In 2017 Mary Ann received one of the highest honors given by the Minnesota Credit Union Network, the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation CU Builder Award on behalf of Wakota Federal Credit Union and South Metro Federal Credit Union where she was a long time employee. As well as for her advocacy and volunteer work at the many, many small credit unions she has helped throughout her lifetime. She will always be remembered, honored, and loved. To honor her cooperative spirit, Wakota established this annual scholarship in her name. |