Investment Alliance Alumni Pursue Successful Careers
March 20, 2026By Fatima Magaña '22
ALLIANCE – College is a time to find one’s passions, and Alliance and the University of Mount Union have made sure that students do just that – explore all college has to offer and grow their love for the city of Alliance. Alumni recipients of the Investment Alliance Scholarship have gone on to pursue successful careers in the Greater Alliance area.
“I didn’t have the money to afford a college education, but Dean Frazier discussed the scholarship requirements with me,” said Gonzales. “I was a student representative on the school board, and there, I met other people who also worked at Mount Union, who were interested in me and my interests; they connected me to faculty in the departments I was interested in, like the writing department.”
Part of the inaugural scholarship class, Cheyanne Gonzales ’18, communication coordinator at Alliance City Schools, had her mind set on giving up a college education, but when Gonzales received the Investment Alliance scholarship, the financial burden of not being able to afford a degree was lifted. Although her involvement on campus and in Alliance was integral to Gonzales’ success years later.
Cheyanne Gonzales '18
Working for Abby Schroeder at the Regula Center helped me become involved in the city at places like the Alliance Farmers Market, the Alliance Review, and at Mount Union’s Office of Marketing.
Interning with the Alliance Review and the Office of Marketing gave Gonzales two different perspectives on writing. The Office of Marketing taught Gonzales to write in a journalistic style and to develop promotional skills on social media, but every experience in college led to the job she loves and currently holds!
A native of Alliance, to Willis Brienza '21, creative coordinator, it was obvious that accepting the Investment Alliance scholarship was the stepping stone for his career at Visit Canton to take off. He loves the work he does because it impacts the city of Alliance directly as well.
Willis Brienza '21
“When I was a freshman at Alliance High School, they introduced the scholarship, which meant I had all four years to know what was at stake if I could finish in the top 15 in my class,” said Brienza. “I remember how proud my parents were that I was going to college for free; they knew I had worked hard, and seeing it pay off made me proud of myself, too.”
Brienza describes that accepting the scholarship has set him up for success! He has been able to buy a home and enjoy life with his wife and dogs.
“Being an Investment Alliance scholar has had a significant impact on my academic journey at the University of Mount Union; the scholarship not only provided financial support, but also motivated me to strive for excellence in my studies,” said Madison Gasparik ‘22, emergency room nurse. “It reinforced my commitment to giving back to the Alliance community and inspired me to take full advantage of the opportunities available, from hands-on clinical experiences to leadership roles within the nursing program.”
Madison Gasparik '22
For Gasparik, attending Mount Union was a dream that the Investment Alliance scholarship made come true! Feeling prideful, grateful, and excited, Gasparik remembers accepting the scholarship, knowing that she would finally attend her home away from home. Now, she works at Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital, Coco Couture Aesthetics Med Spa, and Crandall Medical Center, but Gasparik still finds time to work with high school students who are eligible for the scholarship, letting them know that their possibilities and opportunities are endless.
I mentor students at Alliance High School, participating in scholarship events, and sharing my experiences as an Investment Alliance scholar. I speak with students about the opportunities available to them and encourage them to pursue higher education and scholarships. At Mount Union, I collaborate with other Investment Alliance scholars to support incoming students, helping them navigate college life and embrace the values of scholarship.
Gonzales, Brienza, and Gasparik are all grateful for the experiences the Investment Alliance Scholarship provided them at Mount Union. For more information about the program, as well as other scholarship and grant opportunities, visit mountunion.edu/scholarships-and-grants.