Updated: May 3, 12:08 p.m.
Originally published March 7
By Kayla Dunlevy
For the third consecutive year, Texas A&M-San Antonio business students were recognized for their academic excellence at the annual Keith Russell Academic Award Dinner presented by the San Antonio Chapter of Financial Executives International.
Business senior Leeza Chenoweth and business junior Jessica Bizzell were each granted a $2,000 scholarship and certificate Feb. 13 at the San Antonio Country Club.
James Hackard, assistant professor of finance, served as the master of ceremonies. Hackard is a member of FEI and holds an Academic Relations chair. Dennis Elam, professor of accounting and FEI member, accompanied both award recipients to the dinner.
FEI connects financial executives and allows members to network, develop professional programs and participate in social events. Treasurer Alan Rich said the San Antonio chapter holds about 113 members and is one of 85 chapters throughout the United States and Canada.
Overall, the professional organization awarded 14 area students with scholarships from the following institutions: Our Lady of the Lake University, St. Mary’s University, Trinity University, Incarnate Word University, the University of Texas at San Antonio, A&M-San Antonio and Texas Lutheran University.
Liz Napier, chapter administrator for the San Antonio chapter of FEI, said award recipients are selected and recognized for their academic achievements. Each respective institution nominates students for the academic award.
Students who are eligible for the award are finance or accounting majors, and who maintain a 3.5 GPA.
FEI has awarded San Antonio college students since the 1980s. Former FEI president Keith Russell became a resident of San Antonio in December 2004, when he accepted the dean’s position at the Bill Greehey School of Business at St. Mary’s University. Russell was also financial chair of the San Antonio Water System.
“Russell became president in 2007. He was the one that encouraged us to increase the award amount so that it would be significant for students,” Napier said. “In 2008, during his presidency, Russell passed away from a heart attack. At that time, many of the FEI members decided to name the program after him, in honor of him, because he was so passionate about rewarding students.”
‘Hard work pays off’‘
In addition to being outstanding scholars at A&M San Antonio, both scholarship recipients embody the university’s commitment to the U.S. military, Hackard said.
After serving eight years in the U.S. Army as a linguist, Chenoweth decided returning to school was the best option for her family. Chenoweth, born in Russia, is now a business senior and on her way to receiving a finance degree from this university.
Bizzell, a native of Germany, moved to San Antonio seven years ago with her husband who is a U.S. Army combat medic. Prior to attending A&M-San Antonio, Bizzell earned an associate’s degree in liberal arts from St. Philip’s College.
Ties to the US military are what brought both women to A&M San Antonio.
“I would like a career in budgeting, working for the Department of Defense, maybe. That way I can travel with my husband, since he’s active duty military,” Chenoweth said.
Once she receives her degree, Bizzell said she would like to work towards her master’s degree in finance.
“My husband is serving in the U.S. Army and is gone most of the time so focusing on school and maintaining my grades is my main priority while he is gone,” Bizzell said.
Both women credit their determination and family support as part of their success.
“I have been a full-time student for three years and never received a scholarship….It proved to me that my hard work is being acknowledged and it pays off,” said Bizzell.
Past Recipients, Student Update
2012 FEI scholarship recipient Ashley Alvarado is completing her baccalaureate degree with a double major in finance and accounting.
2011 FEI scholarship recipient Michael Elizondo is enrolled in A&M-San Antonio’s MBA program.
