Fortera Credit Union creates Cleveland “Mario” Richardson Memorial Endowment for APSU finance students

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – Fortera Credit Union recently made a contribution to the Austin Peay State University Foundation to establish the Cleveland “Mario” Richardson Memorial Endowment in memory of APSU alumnus Cleveland “Mario” Richardson (’10).

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be enrolled full-time with a major in finance. The award is renewable for recipients who continue to meet the criteria each year.

“Mario made a tremendous impact on the many lives he touched,” Fortera Credit Union President and CEO Tom Kane said. “Perpetuating his legacy, Fortera is honored to endow a scholarship fund in Mario’s name. It is our hope that this fund will carry forward his zest for learning, while advancing academic opportunity for students in the APSU College of Business.”

Richardson served as a non-commissioned officer in the United States Army. He worked in the logistics field for 20 years, serving in locations such as Pirmasens, Germany, and Fort Myers, Virginia. After completing many tours in Korea, he was stationed at Fort Campbell. While at Fort Campbell, he deployed several times before retiring.

For his outstanding service, Richardson received numerous awards, including the Bronze Star and three Army Commendation Medals. Richardson graduated from Austin Peay with a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in finance. He had a passion for helping people through financial management, which led him to become a certified financial counselor for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University.

In addition to bowling, cooking and making people laugh, Richardson’s hobbies also included serving on the Fortera Credit Union Board of Directors and the Trustee Board of Information Technology Ministry at his church. He was married to his wife, Gwendolyn, for 28 years, and he was the father of two daughters. Richardson passed away on Feb. 21, 2019 at the age of 49.

Endowments are permanently restricted funds managed by the Austin Peay State University Foundation. The amount of each scholarship award may vary and will be determined based upon the value of the endowment and the Foundation spending plan.

To support APSU fundraising initiatives, contact the Office of University Advancement at 931-221-7127.