Noble Credit Union has joined forces with Fresno State’s Bulldog Foundation to help grant full-ride scholarships to two student-athletes this year.

“These students can focus on their academic and athletic success,” said Noble Credit Union spokesperson Mariah Walton. “Then, they can go into the workforce and not be saddled with 20 years of student loan debt.”

The scholarships, covering tuition, housing and other essential college costs, help remove major financial barriers students face while balancing their academic and athletic life.

Noble said it will continue to help fund full-ride scholarships for two students for the next three years, totaling six students.

This year’s recipients are Jaden Hunter of the men’s golf team and Katelyn Lehigh of the women’s golf team.

Investing in the Future

Noble Credit Union, located in the Central Valley for over 80 years, views Fresno as an economic driver, something they want to bolster through supporting local students.

“We view this also as more of an investment in the community that we serve, knowing that they are likely to stay here,” Walton said. “They’re the future leaders of our community and our Valley, and we want to provide that support for them. It’s one less thing for them to worry about.”

Nearly 80% of Fresno State graduates stay in the region after college, going on to contribute to the region.

The Bulldog Foundation handed out a total of 84 full-ride scholarships to student-athletes in 2025, provided through donations made by the community.

“It’s wonderful that we have a local credit union willing to give back to an organization that impacts the Central Valley in so many ways,” said Fresno State Athletic Director Garrett Klassy. “We take care of our own here.”

The not-for-profit organization focuses on the community and their members rather than profit, Walton said.

Noble offers free online financial literacy courses, in-person courses for members, and guest lectures about financial wellness at Fresno State.

Fresno State Student Athletes

Student athletes are crammed, balancing school, practice, and traveling for games. If you ask them, it’s next to impossible to add a part-time job to the mix.

These full-ride scholarships allow them to focus on their degree, while maintaining the ability to play the sport they love.

Lehigh, a graduate student pursuing a degree in sports administration, is in her last year of collegiate golf.

A full-ride scholarship through the Bulldog Foundation covered the three years she spent obtaining her undergraduate degree and receiving the Dean’s Medal.

Now, she will have two degrees and no debt looming over her.

“It’s extremely relieving. I don’t know a lot of people who didn’t have to take out student loans or take on some sort of part-time job,” Lehigh said. “You definitely wouldn’t have time to have a part-time job and try to balance golf and school.”

Hunter, who has played golf since he was a child, is gearing up for is final year at Fresno State.

Post-grad, he plans to compete in the professional circuit before utilizing his degree in Business Administration to open his own business.

“Having the scholarship takes so much stress off my shoulders,” Hunter said. “I’ve been really able to pour my all into competing and at my best level, working hard towards my degree.”

Noble Hosts Five Home Game Tailgate Events

As part of Noble’s partnership with the Bulldog Foundation, they will host five member-exclusive tailgates, starting Saturday.

The home game tailgates are open to members and their immediate family; no reservation is required.

Attendees will receive one meal ticket and two drink tickets per person. A Noble debit or credit card is needed for entry.

Noble will also be hosting the tailgates at home games on Oct. 4 and 25, and Nov. 15 and 22.

“We’re inviting all of them to join our tailgates free of charge and root on the home team,” Walton said. “We want to celebrate our members, celebrate this partnership, and celebrate these athletes.”