Irvin Specht & Emily Argo Memorial College Scholarship

Once each year, the Cincinnati Police Federal Credit Union selects two high school seniors to receive a scholarship named in memory of long-time COPFCU Treasurer and Director Emeritus Irvin Specht and 1995 Scholarship winner Emily Argo. COPFCU members or their legal dependents are eligible to apply. The winning applicants receive $1,000 per year for four consecutive years toward their college tuition. They must attend accredited colleges or universities and maintain at least a 2.5 GPA to remain eligible for annual payments.

 


In Memory of Irvin Specht

   


In Memory of Emily Argo

In 1989 the Cincinnati Police Federal Credit Union began a scholarship program in honor of Irvin Specht. "Uncle Irv" as he was known, served as volunteer treasurer of the credit union in 1954 where he disbursed loans out of a cigar box. In 1934 he started working as a civilian clerk for the Cincinnati Police. Upon retirement as police property clerk in 1965 he became the treasurer and manager of the credit union. In 1981 Mr. Specht became treasurer and director retiring in 1994 being named director emeritus. He was known for his willingness to help people in need and believed in giving everyone a fair chance. Knowing the importance of a college education, Mr. Specht was very excited to have a scholarship named in his honor. On December 6, 2003 Mr. Specht died after a short illness at the age of 93.

  

Emily Argo was the 1995 recipient of the Irvin Specht Scholarship. After graduating as Valedictorian of her class at Taylor High School, Emily went on to Ohio Northern University to major in Biology and Environmental Science. After graduation following a dream that started when she was 12 while on vacation with her family, Emily moved to Florida where she worked with the manatees. Emily then continued her environmental work Wildlife Trust overseeing a program devoted to the observation of the North Atlantic Right Whales. Emily was living out her dream when on January 26, 2003 the plane she was flying on crashed as she was tracking these endangered species. Emily's drive and ambition have made her an outstanding individual. She is a role model for all. Cincinnati Police Federal Credit Union recognizes the exceptional individual Emily was in naming a memorial scholarship in her honor.

For more information and an application for the Irvin Specht & Emily Argo Memorial Scholarship click here.