Forty Iowa Students Named Athene USA Game Changer Scholars

WEST DES MOINES– June 21, 2023 – Athene USA (“Athene”) a leading provider of retirement savings products, announced the 40 Iowa students to be named to the third annual class of the Athene USA Game Changer Scholars. This year we are proud to have 26 students renewing their scholarship awards. These students come from towns and cities across the state and represent the next generation of individuals who will help drive change in our communities. 

The Game Changer Scholars program is committed to helping ensure all students have the option to pursue their most important life goals.  With this goal in mind, beginning this year, the Athene Foundation increased the award for our Game Changer Scholars recipients, up to $5,000 for renewal applicants.

Game Changer Scholars recipients are awarded based on multiple criteria, including academic performance, demonstrated leadership, participation in school and community, work experience, work/career goals and life experiences. Recipients can re-apply for up to four years and must be Iowa residents with plans to attend college or university in Iowa.  
The 2023 Game Changer Scholars are as follows : 

• Abby Koppmann, Dunkerton
• Emma Palmer, Waukon
• Ethan Schelhorn, Sumner
• Harry Bui, Sioux City
• Isaac Dean, Spencer
• Jeremy Huynh, Urbandale
• Katelyn Pollard, Woodburn
• Koryn Bakken, Decorah
• Lizzy Orey, Indianola
• Madeline Warning, Bloomfield
• Pre’Osha Waller, Burlington
• Rosalyn Becicka, West Des Moines
• Samantha Rechkemmer, Walker
• Valentina Weihe, Waukee
• Alexa Garvin, Wilton*
• Anna Flyr, Urbandale* 
• Brayden Dirks, Marcus*
• Caden Kingery, Des Moines*
• Cambree Kruse, Fort Atkinson*
• Chloe Rooney, Rockford*
• Colin Chau, Grimes*
• Daviere Jones, Des Moines*
• Ellie Chen, Urbandale*
• Gabriela Ceballos, Council Bluffs*
• Jacob Swestka, Palo*
• Kyndal Williams, Ames*
• Leah McClure, West Des Moines*
• Myah Shipley, Pleasant Hill*
• Olivia West, Des Moines*
• Ruby Hummel, Yale*
• Sabrine Ibrahim, Des Moines*
• Steffany Bell, Washington*
• Taylor Weaver, Ankeny*
• Christian Luna, Dubuque**
• Cindy Lara, Sioux City**
• Eman Hagos, Des Moines**
• Ferdinand Alobo, Des Moines**
• Karlehna Rosales Gearhart, West Des Moines**
• Pablo Cuevas Montez, Marshalltown**
• Volta Adovor, Ankeny** 

*Second year recipient
**Third year recipient 

“We are pleased to announce this year’s recipients of the Game Changer Scholars program. After three years, the program continues its commitment to help ensure all students have the option to reach their educational goals,” said Kristi Kaye Burma, Executive Vice President, and Chief Human Resources Officer at Athene. “We believe the enhancements made this year will create an even stronger financial boost for Iowa families and the investment towards our future leaders. We are excited to see how these students use their talent, perspective and experiences to impact our state.”

About Athene
Athene, through its subsidiaries, is a leading financial services company specializing in retirement services with total assets of $257.7 billion as of March 31, 2023 and operations in the United States, Bermuda, Canada, and Japan. Athene specializes in helping its customers achieve financial security and is a solutions provider to institutions. Founded in 2009, Athene is Driven to Do More for our policyholders, business partners, shareholders, and the communities in which we work and live. For more information, please visit www.athene.com.

Media Contact:
Maddie Huntley
Media Relations
(515) 342-4569
mhuntley@athene.com