J. Thomas Gavin Memorial Scholarship Program
The J. Thomas Gavin Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to applaud the accomplishments of dependent children of Maine Credit Union League and Synergent employees.
J. Thomas Gavin Memorial Scholarship Program
The J. Thomas Gavin Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to applaud the accomplishments of dependent children of Maine Credit Union League and Synergent employees. This scholarship fund will support the dreams of continued education in the memory of former employee, colleague, confidant and friend, J. Thomas Gavin.
The program is administered by Scholarship America®, the nation’s largest designer and manager of scholarships and other education support programs for corporations, foundations, associations, and individuals. Eligibility for individual programs is determined at the sole discretion of the sponsor and eligible applications are reviewed by Scholarship America’s evaluation team.
About the Scholarship
Walking through the doors of the corporate offices of the Maine Credit Union League and Synergent in Westbrook, Maine, J. Thomas Gavin’s presence can still be seen and felt. Tom, as he was known by, was not only a dedicated employee of the League and Synergent for 35 years, he was also a friend to all with whom he came in contact during his tenure. While Tom’s sudden passing on November 6, 2006 left a great void, it is safe to say that he will never be forgotten.
Tom began his career serving credit unions in 1971 as a field representative in Central and Northern Maine. In 1973, he became the first person in Data Processing charged with forming an on-line data processing service for credit unions. Tom was instrumental in the development of MECUL Services Corp’s (now Synergent’s) data processing for credit unions, and ultimately helped to grow what has become one of the most successful core processing operations in the country. In 1992, League President John Murphy appointed him as the Director of Corporate Services, a position he held until the time of his death. In this role, Tom oversaw all of the maintenance and development of the Credit Union Service Center building, and also managed the CuComp (credit union compensation) Program and the Salary Administration Programs for the League and Synergent.
In July of 2006, Tom celebrated his 35 years of service as the longest-tenured employee of the League and Synergent. Tom came to be known by a great many people within the credit union community. At a remembrance ceremony, long-time friends and colleagues reflected on their special experiences with Tom. Speakers noted Tom’s strong work ethic, his passion for photography, his endless ‘research’ of the best products with the best values. He was a teacher, and was often called “the person to know”. Tom was known for being benevolent, caring, selfless, generous, prudent, dedicated, ingenious and respectful. He was a hard worker with integrity and diversity. However, most of all, Tom will be remembered for his wildly unique sense of humor and as a friend to all who knew him.
Eligibility
Applicants to the J. Thomas Gavin Memorial Scholarship Program must be:
- Applicants must be dependent* children of Maine Credit Union League or Synergent employees who work a minimum of 20 hours per week and who have been employed for a minimum of six (6) months as of the application deadline date.
- High school seniors or graduates who plan to enroll or students who are already enrolled in full-time undergraduate or graduate study at an accredited two-year or four-year college, university, graduate school or vocational-technical school for the entire upcoming academic year.
*Dependent children are defined as natural and legally adopted children or stepchildren living in the employee’s household or primarily supported by the employee.
Awards
- If selected as a recipient, the student will receive an award in the amount of $2,500.
- Up to two (2) awards will be granted each year.
- Awards are one-time only and not renewable.
- Awards are for undergraduate or graduate study.
- Awards can be used for any education-related expenses.
Employees of Maine Credit Union League or Synergent must remain employed at the time awards are paid in August.
Notification
Applicants will be notified in January. Not all applicants to the program will be selected as recipients.
Notifications are sent via email. When setting up your account, avoid using a school or work email. Instead, use an active, personal email address that you will continue to have access to.
Please make sure to add studentsupport@scholarshipamerica.org as well as the program email address as safe senders in your email contact list.
Payment of Scholarships
Scholarship America processes scholarship payments on behalf of Maine Credit Union League and Synergent. Payment is made in one installment in early August. The award may be used for education related expenses.
The employee parent must remain employed at the time awards are paid. Checks are mailed to each recipient’s home address and are made payable to the school for the student.
Selection of Recipients
Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of:
- Academic performance
- Demonstrated leadership and participation in school and community activities
- Work experience
- Personal Essay
- An online recommendation
Financial need will not be considered.
Selection of recipients is made by Scholarship America. In no instance does any officer or employee of the Maine Credit Union League or Synergent play a part in the selection. All applicants agree to accept the decision as final.
Requirements
As part of your application, you must upload the following:
- A current, complete transcript of grades. Grade reports are not accepted. Transcripts must display:
- Student name
- School name
- Grades
- Credit hours for each course and term in which each course was taken.
NOTE: If you are providing SAT or ACT test scores, and those scores are not listed on your high school transcript, you will need to upload a copy of your test score report(s) separately. If you are uploading a college transcript, those scores are not required.
One online recommendation form must be submitted on your behalf no later than December 24, 2025 3:00 PM Central Time.
Your application is not complete unless all required materials are submitted electronically.
