First Midwest Bank Scholarships
First Midwest is a relationship-focused financial institution committed to helping clients achieve financial success. This mission is at the core of the First Midwest Bank culture and serves as a foundation for the bank’s investment in business, clients, colleagues, and communities.
First Midwest Bank believes a diverse workforce that thrives in an inclusive workplace is a differentiator. Diversity of thought, background and experience, in combination with an environment where differences are celebrated as assets, drives innovation and leads to better outcomes for its business, clients, and colleagues. An inclusive environment that welcomes all aspects of diversity creates loyalty, a sense of belonging, and a culture where colleagues are valued, respected, and excited to deliver best in class service to our clients.
First Midwest Bank’s commitment to a vibrant workforce extends to future generations of diverse and talented financial industry professionals and has led to the establishment of the First Midwest Scholars Program at DePaul University. The program will award annual scholarships of $5,000 to eight finance majors who are members of the DePaul Inclusion in Finance and DePaul Females in Finance student organizations, as well as students who are enrolled in the Keeley Center Academy.
“The Keeley Center for Financial Services at DePaul University is honored and privileged to be able to partner with First Midwest on this programming and scholarship initiative to prepare students for high impact careers in financial services. The financial support for our programming and student scholarships, as well as the internships and full time employment, is making a significant impact on student outcomes. The mentoring, guidance and commitment to student success provided by a number of First Midwest employees is deeply appreciated. We are looking forward to continuing our strong partnership, paving the way and opening doors for young finance professionals”, Martin Essenburg, executive director, Keeley Center for Financial Services and program director, Keeley Center Academy.
Meet DePaul’s First Midwest Bank 2021 scholarship recipients!
Angelina Carreras
“This scholarship will create a lot more space to focus on my studies, my career journey, and my passion to stay connected with my community organizations. I am so thankful and inspired by the donors who have made this scholarship possible for students like me and would like to let them know that they have created a genuine impact on my life. I hope to pay it forward in the future now that I know what it feels like to be supported like this. I am looking forward to my upcoming Goldman Sachs Sales and Global Market Trading internship in New York in summer 2022.”
Angelina currently serves as the Vice President of the DePaul ALPHA organization and is a member of the Greenwood Project, DePaul Demon Traders and a Keeley Academy student.
Dilyana Dimitrova
“Winning this award is an honor and a privilege, I am grateful that I have been provided with such a wonderful opportunity. This award has given me the freedom to pursue various aspirations that I might not have been able to pursue otherwise. I have had a commercial banking internship at Wintrust Bank and a Financial Planning & Analysis internship at United Airlines. After graduation, I am planning on continuing in a full-time commercial banking role at CIBC Bank.”
Dilyana currently serves as Chair of Marketing for DePaul Females in Finance and is also involved in DePaul Women in Business, DePaul Inclusion in Finance and a member of the Keeley Academy.
Alexis Durrani
“I really appreciate this award. It means so much as I am a first-generation student and this scholarship has lessened the financial burden that I am under, aiding me to be an independent student. I would like to extend my sincere thanks to First Midwest Bank and to everyone that helped make this happen. Thank you!”
Alexis currently serves on the e-board for the DePaul ALPHA organization as secretary and is a member of the Keeley Academy.
Royce Kim
“As a full-time student studying finance, it is an honor to receive a scholarship from First Midwest Bank. This opportunity will help motivate me to further pursue my goal of pursuing a career in the financial services industry upon graduation, with a focus on securing full-time employment in banking.”
Royce is a member of DePaul Inclusion Finance, DePaul Investment Group, and serves as the Treasurer for DePaul Korean Association.
Madeleine Fesas
“I am honored and grateful to have been recognized as a recipient of this award. First Midwest’s generosity to myself and my peers is sincerely appreciated. I cannot wait to continue impacting my community while finishing my studies at DePaul. Post-graduation, I am excited to pursue a career as an Investment Banking Analyst for BMO in New York.”
Madeleine is currently serving as the Treasurer for DePaul Females in Finance and is a member of DePaul Inclusion in Finance, DePaul TeaTalks, the DePaul Real Estate Club and is a member of the Keeley Academy.
Nicole Juszczyk
“The impact of the First Midwest Bank scholarship support is unforgettable. The truth is, I would not be here if it weren’t for opportunities like these. Growing up in a household of 5, being raised by two immigrant parents who never had the opportunity to receive an education and being the first child in my family to step foot in a university has not only changed my life, but my family’s as well. I thank my donors for believing in education, DePaul, and most importantly – in me. I am currently interning at Envision Wealth Planning and plan to pursue a career in wealth management.”
Nicole is currently a member of DePaul Females in Finance, the Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, and a Keeley Academy student.
Royce Kim
“As a full-time student studying finance, it is an honor to receive a scholarship from First Midwest Bank. This opportunity will help motivate me to further pursue my goal of pursuing a career in the financial services industry upon graduation, with a focus on securing full-time employment in banking.”
Royce is a member of DePaul Inclusion Finance, DePaul Investment Group, and serves as the Treasurer for DePaul Korean Association.
Derrick Noda
“Receiving this scholarship means security for me. Security in allowing me to continue my studies without the financial restraints I would otherwise have. This scholarship allows my family and I to have a better future, and for that I am grateful.”
Derrick is currently a member of DePaul Inclusion in Finance and a Keeley Academy student.
Paige Verner