Caresse Ocampo of Haven Savings Bank in Hoboken has been selected as the first recipient of the Constantine G. Callas Progressive Educational & Work Ethic Memorial Scholarship, the New Jersey Bankers Association announced.
The new scholarship, which is to be awarded annually to an employee of an NJBankers financial institution, can be used for continued education in the field of finance. In its inaugural year, Ocampo was selected from among 10 applicants and was awarded the $2,000 stipend during the association’s annual Rising Star Awards event.
NJBankers CEO John McWeeney said the organization is thrilled to be able to award the scholarship.
“It’s wonderful to be able to support an aspiring young banker in their career growth, and at the same time, recognize the legacy of Constantine G. Callas,” he said. “We congratulate Caresse Ocampo from Haven Savings Bank on being the inaugural winner, and we thank the Callas family for their generosity and support.”
Ocampo is a mortgage loan servicer at Haven Savings Bank.
“I am honored to have been selected for this award,” she said. “Being the inaugural awardee of this scholarship means much more than utilizing it to fund my education. The message, the intention and the legacy that stands behind the memorial scholarship gravitates toward the same values and work ethic I possess.”
Ocampo recently returned to Hudson County Community College after a break of several years. An honors student, she is majoring in business administration with a concentration in finance
“Although I have gained knowledge through the various courses I have taken, I have also acquired experience and knowledge from my peers and mentors at Haven Savings Bank,” she said. “As an employee of almost seven years, I can say it has been an amazing experience. I also realize that having an education and continuing my education is crucial to succeeding in life. Finance especially, is vital to our everyday functioning, which is the reason why I am so determined to continue my education in this field.”
