Truliant Foundation Announces 2026 College Scholarship Recipients
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (September 1, 2026) – The Truliant Foundation announced today its scholarship winners for the Fall of 2026. All are first-time college students who will be enrolled in an accredited college, community college, or university and are members, or dependents of members, of Truliant Federal Credit Union.
In partnership with Carolinas Credit Union Foundation, the Truliant Foundation offers the scholarship program, which supports Truliant Federal Credit Union’s member pursuit of higher education.
“As these students begin their next chapter, we congratulate our 2026 Truliant Foundation Scholarship winners and wish them a successful year,” said Atticus Simpson, executive director of the Truliant Foundation. “We hope this investment helps them focus on their education and opens new opportunities for future success.”
The majority of the students have been given a Fred J. Sarda Scholarship for $2,000. Each year, one dependent of a Truliant employee is given the Clyde Padgett Scholarship for $2,500. Two scholarships were provided by the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation in partnership with the Truliant Foundation.
Fred J. Sarda Winners:
- Addison Anderson, Spelman College
- Alexis Agurs, Winston-Salem State University
- Allison Ciriza-Enciso, UNC Charlotte
- Alyssa Milton, UNC Chapel Hill
- Ava Lynch, UNC Chapel Hill
- Blake Montgomery, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
- Camille Johnson, NC Agricultural & Technical State University
- Camryn Russell, Cleveland Community College
- Gabriella Primus, UNC Charlotte
- George Lewis, NC State University
- Hannah Hinshaw, NC State University
- Jamia Spencer, UNC Chapel Hill
- Jisele Reaves, Clemson University
- Joaly Adame Rodriguez, UNC Chapel Hill
- Kaelee McCants, UNC Greensboro
- Kylie Evans, Wingate University
- Madison Fox, Virginia Tech University
- Molly Smith, Clemson University
- Wenda McLaurin, Elon University
Clyde Padgett Winner:
- Kinley Johnson, Davidson College
Carolinas Credit Union Foundation Winner:
- Jace Abraham, Catawba Valley Community College
The Truliant scholarships are named after two important people in Truliant’s history. Fred Sarda was a section chief at Western Electric and led a group of employees to form a financial co-op to benefit workers in 1952. That co-op eventually became Truliant Federal Credit Union. Clyde Padgett was chairman of Truliant’s board for 17 years. He retired from the board in 2003.
For 2027, the Truliant Foundation will replace the Sarda and Padgett scholarships with a new scholarship program designed to support Truliant members seeking workforce credentials and college degrees.
The Truliant Federal Credit Union Foundation Workforce Readiness Scholarship will be offered in partnership with local community colleges, giving preference to Truliant members pursuing higher education and workforce skills closer to home. The Truliant Federal Credit Union Family Scholarship will offer scholarships to dependents of current Truliant employees, employees retired from Truliant with full benefits, or volunteer board members.
Truliant members will also remain eligible to apply for General Fund Scholarships provided by the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation.
About The Truliant Foundation
Established in 2023, the Truliant Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity with a purpose to lift up and transform Truliant member communities through charitable giving, collaboration, and meaningful partnerships. The Foundation strives to be a catalyst for growth for established nonprofits seeking the support and guidance they need to flourish and spark positive change in their communities. The Foundation also provides college scholarships to Truliant members and relief funds to Truliant employees facing unforeseen personal hardships. Learn more or donate at Truliant.org/Foundation.
About Truliant Federal Credit Union
Truliant is a mission-driven, not-for-profit financial institution that improves lives by providing financial guidance and affordable financial services. Chartered in 1952, Truliant now serves 325,000+ members and has more than 38 Member Financial Centers in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact: Heath Combs
[email protected]
(o) 336-293-2054 (c) 336-442-5736
