Franklin University and Union Sportsmen’s Alliance Award Inaugural Scholarships at USA Gala

Contact:

Sherry Mercurio
Executive Director, Office of Community Relations
(614) 947-6581
Email: sherry.mercurio@franklin.edu

(Columbus, OH, and Franklin, TN) – At the Union Sportsmen’s Alliance (USA) 12th Annual Fundraising Gala in Washington, DC, on June 3, the USA and Franklin University awarded two inaugural scholarships to individuals exemplifying perseverance, community service, and a desire to grow through hands-on experience and lifelong learning.

Launched through a partnership with the USA and Employee Benefit Systems, Inc. (EBS), Franklin University’s Union College Benefit provides union members and their families with access to affordable, flexible education designed for working adults. With deeply discounted tuition, free textbooks, and online coursework, the program is tailored to help learners balance school, work, and personal life while gaining the skills and support they need to move forward confidently in their careers.

The University’s first scholarship, valued at $5,250 per year for up to six years of continuous enrollment, was awarded to Donna Sands of Stevenson, Alabama. A program coordinator at the Graham Farm & Nature Center and spouse of an IAM Local 1458 member, Sands has dedicated nearly two decades to environmental education and outdoor access. Her hands-on work and leadership in conservation have shaped lives across her community. With this scholarship, she will continue to upskill through a bachelor’s degree program at Franklin, paving the way for her to achieve her goal of one day becoming the director of the nature center.

Recognizing the depth and promise of multiple applicants, the USA funded a second scholarship, awarded to Miranda Cramer of Flint, Michigan. A long-time volunteer and spouse of a UAW Local 659 member, Cramer has balanced family, work, and service while striving to return to school and complete her business degree. Now, she will not only be able to finish what she started but also model the power of persistence and personal growth for her daughter, who begins college this fall.

“These recipients are living examples of the values we stand for—commitment, hard work, and the belief that education can open new doors at any stage of life,” said USA Executive Director and CEO Walt Ingram. “This partnership helps ensure that our members and their families have access to the tools and training they need to keep advancing—personally and professionally.”

Franklin University President Dr. David Decker added, “We are proud to support individuals like Donna and Miranda who are committed to building meaningful careers while balancing life’s many demands. Through a model focused on upskilling, support, and flexibility, Franklin is helping working adults gain future-ready skills on their terms.”
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About the Union Sportsmen's Alliance
The USA is a union-dedicated, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose members hunt, fish, shoot, and volunteer their skills for conservation. The USA is uniting the union community through conservation to preserve North America’s outdoor heritage. For more information, visit www.unionsportsmen.org or connect on Facebook, X, YouTube and Instagram.

About Franklin University

Accredited, nonprofit, and dedicated to educating adults since 1902, Franklin provides onsite course options at our Main Campus in downtown Columbus, Ohio, and is an innovator in providing personalized online education. The University offers applied in-demand undergraduate, masters, and doctorate programs that enable adult learners to achieve their educational and professional goals. Through agreements with partner institutions, the University also offers international academic programs, including its top-ranked MBA.

Franklin University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditations for specific academic programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation, and the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education. The National Security Agency and the Department of Homeland Security have designated Franklin University as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education (CAE-CDE).