Rino Nori University Scholarship

For FWSIM members and their university-enrolled children: We're proud to announce the Rino Nori University Scholarship, offering a $2,500 award to support studies in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math. This exclusive opportunity is part of our ongoing commitment to foster academic excellence and nurture the next generation in technology and related fields. As a benefit to our members and their families, this scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also celebrates the dedication and potential of young minds embarking on a journey in these pivotal disciplines. 

For FWSIM members and their university-enrolled children: Fairfield/Westchester Society for Information Management (FWSIM) is once again sponsoring our annual Rino Nori University Scholarship with the winner receiving a $2500 award toward their further education in STEM or related fields. 

Established in 2014, this scholarship underscores FWSIM’s commitment to academic excellence and to investing in future leaders in technology and related fields. Offered as a benefit to our members and their families, the program combines financial support with recognition of students who show exceptional dedication and potential.

We encourage all eligible members and their university-enrolled children to apply. 

Eligibility and Application Information

Award Amount: $2,500 (one time award)

Submission Deadline: January 31, 2026 EST

Notification: March or April 2026

Eligibility Criteria – all criteria below must be met:

·       FWSIM Member in good standing or their child (no AR balances)

·       Actively enrolled college student (p/t or f/t) having:

o   achieved at least 45 total college credits

o   Intending to pursue their first bachelor’s degree in a STEM or related field.

·       Applicant must not have won this “FWSIM” award

 

Submission Requirements – All qualifying submissions must have the following three components:

·       Application: Completed application CLICK HERE

·       Transcript: Legible and complete copy of college transcript as of December 31, 2025 showing a cumulative GPA and credit completion

·       Essay: Attachment of 1,000–2,000 word essay on topic:
Future-Ready Careers: Technological change is reshaping how work is done across nearly every field, often faster than education systems can adapt. Reflect on how this reality is shaping the way you approach learning and preparation for your future career. Consider how modern digital tools influence how you study, practice, and solve problems, and how you ensure these tools deepen understanding rather than shortcut learning. Identify one well-reasoned prediction about how technology will change work in your chosen field, and reflect on how you are preparing for both the opportunities and the unintended consequences that change may bring. "

 

All three required components must be emailed to Anna Ransley  (anna@ranetix.com) and Stephanie Crowe (stephaniecrowe.fwsim@gmail.com) within the submission timeframe listed above, with a cc to the sponsoring FWSIM member. 

Applicants will receive an email confirmation within 2 business days of successful submission. If a confirmation is not received, please contact Stephanie promptly to verify receipt.

Selection Process

FWSIM members will evaluate and rank the essays; the award will be based upon GPA (on a 4.0 basis) and essay ranking.  In case of a tie the award will be shared among the winners.

Questions  Please reach out to Anna Ransley  (anna@ranetix.com) or Stephanie Crowe (stephaniecrowe.fwsim@gmail.com) with any questions.

 

Winners:

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2025 - Olivia Panos
Olivia (Liv) Panos is the daughter of our long time FWSIM board member, Jim Panos, the CIO at Central National Gottesman Inc. Liv is a second year student at Colorado College, majoring in neuroscience and minoring in chemistry. She is planning to apply to medical school, where she hopes to continue her education in neuroscience. When she is not studying the brain, she loves the outdoors, especially hiking, mountaineering, and snowboarding. She is also a Wilderness First Responder and a licensed Emergency Medical Technician. She is excited to study abroad in Copenhagen next semester. 

   

   

   

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2024 - Michael Lagana
Michael Lagana is the son of FWSIM member Matt Lagana
Michael is a second year student at the Georgia Institute of Technology, majoring in Aerospace Engineering. He does research in combustion and is part of engineering teams working with UAVs and propulsion control systems. Michael has a passion for expanding his knowledge in a wide variety of STEM disciplines including cybersecurity, taking after his father. Outside academics, he enjoys doing Jiu Jitsu and pursuing his personal projects at the campus makerspace. Personal heroes include Walt Disney, Tony Stark, and R2-D2.

  

 

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2023 – Katherine Rubich

Katherine (Kate) Rubich is the daughter of FWSIM member Steve Rubich. Kate is attending Colgate University in pursuit of an environmental Economics degree. Kate has always had a passion for STEM and is applying her love of math and the environment to create a sustainable future for our society.

  

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2022 – Aundrea Lagana

Aundrea Lagana is the daughter of FWSIM member Matt Lagana.  At the time of receiving the scholarship, Aundrea was a second semester nursing student at Keiser University pursuing an accelerated bachelors degree in Nursing. Her goal is to attend graduate school after getting her RN license to become a Surgical Nurse Practitioner.
In addition to being a full time student, Aundrea works part time as a Veterinary Technician at the Humane Society of the Treasure Coast on their surgery team, where her interest in the operating room sparked.

 

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2021 – Matthew Lagana

Matthew Lagana is the son of FWSIM member Matt Lagana. At the time of receiving the scholarship Matthew was a sophomore at Florida State University, where he was majoring in their Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences program. His goal is to have a successful career in the field of medicine. In addition, he is an avid golfer and former captain of his high school golf team.

The following summer, Matthew was planning on doing an internship with Peak Wellness, Inc. in Greenwich, CT, where he was learning about the latest innovations in wellness-based medicine.