The Mary O’Donnell Scholarship Program is established to recognize and support the pursuit of higher education by the children of employees. The program is designed to encourage academic excellence, community involvement, and career development while strengthening employee engagement and loyalty.
The scholarship is to honor the wonderful life of Mary O’Donnell and her leadership and strive for excellence she exemplified.
Applicant must:
• Be a dependent child (natural, adopted, or stepchild) of a current full-time employee of the Ardán Family of Companies.
• Have a parent who the company has employed for at least one year as of the application
• Be a high school senior or current college undergraduate planning to enroll or already enrolled in a full-time accredited college, university, or technical school.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of [3.0 on a 4.0 scale] or equivalent.
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (or other eligibility standard based on company
Awards are based on:
• Academic achievement
• Leadership
• Community involvement
• Personal essay or statement of goals
The Committee will evaluate all applications based on the criteria listed above.
One eligible student will be awarded the scholarship yearly
• Award Amount: $100,000 over 4 years – $25,000 paid per year
• Renewable if the student maintains a minimum GPA of 3.0 and remains enrolled full-time.
Deadline: [March 31st thereafter annually]
Notification Date: [May 1st annually]
Scholarship funds are paid directly to the scholarship recipient upon verification of enrollment. Funds may be applied toward tuition, fees, books, room, board, and academic supplies. The 4- year $100,000 scholarship is disbursed 25% every year.
Recipients may be announced in company communications such as newsletters, the intranet, or the annual report. A recognition ceremony or award presentation may also be held at the company’s discretion.
Mike SchefstadMike Schefstad was appointed to be Westcor’s CFO and Treasurer in 2004. He entered the title industry in 1989 while attending college and proceeded to spend 15 years at a regional underwriter.
Michael oversees the financial reporting, investments, the agency audit program, as well as state regulatory matters. Michael has served on the audit and accounting committees for the American Land Title Association.
Scott ChandlerScott Chandler has been at Westcor for over 16 years. As COO he is responsible for operations nationwide and organizational growth of the company.
Scott has been a member of ALTA for 20+ years and received his NTP (National Title Professional) designation in 2015.
He now sits on the ALTA Board of Governors.
Mary O’DonnellUnder Mary’s leadership, Westcor has achieved a national presence through geographic expansion and superior service to title agents.
Mary’s focus on continuous innovation and the use of advanced analytics and technologies has made Westcor a valuable distribution partner.
As a result, Westcor has achieved substantial premium growth and market leading profitability. Click here to learn more about our fearless leader.