First Community Mortgage Announces 2018 Scholarship Recipients

First Community Mortgage (FCM) recently announced the 2018 recipients of the Andrew C. Rambo Scholarship were Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) Students, Amanda Sampedro and Lily Shepler.

The Andrew C. Rambo Memorial Scholarship – funded by FCM employees – is awarded to an MTSU MBA student in the accelerated cohort program of the Flex MBA. The scholarship is for a 12-month period, during which the recipient is expected to finish their MBA program. The recipient must be a Tennessee resident, have an undergraduate degree from MTSU, and be admitted into the MBA program.

“This year, we decided to extend the scholarship to two recipients. Their applications were great, so it was a very tough decision.” said FCM CEO Keith Canter. “Amanda and Lily are outstanding students who represent what Andy Rambo was known for, his eagerness to learn.”

Amanda Sampedro, of Spring Hill, TN, will be graduating in the Summer of 2019 with a master’s degree in Business Administration.

“My goals upon graduation next Summer will be to find a position that allows me to use my creative side, as well as, my leadership skills to lead others. I’m not sure where that position may be, but I look forward to the journey and the opportunities that will accompany the search.”

The other recipient, Lily Shepler, of North Knox county near Knoxville, TN, will be graduating in the Summer of 2019 with a master’s degree in Business Administration.

“My ultimate career goal is to find a work/life balance with the freedom to better myself and grow as a business professional in a career that is meaningful to society.”

Helping people in the community has been a main focal point for FCM, which is why Canter started FCM Cares, a non-profit organization 2 years ago. That initiative was inspired, in part, by the leadership Andy Rambo provided. As a result, FCM is able to help our local communities by giving back in ways like this scholarship.

Rambo was a Shelbyville, TN native, who became the Chairman of the Board at First Community Bank, and a member of the board of directors at First Community Mortgage. His pathway led him from Shelbyville to Memphis where he graduated from both Memphis State University and Memphis State Law College. He later received his MBA from Belmont University. Rambo practiced law for 42 years in his hometown of Shelbyville, where he also served as Mayor from 1979 to 1983 and as City Attorney from 1983-1989. Shortly thereafter he became involved in what we now know as First Community Bank and First Community Mortgage. He passed away in April 2016.

“I’m so grateful that FCM Cares has the opportunity to extend this scholarship for another year, and we look forward to the many years to come,” said Canter. “We may be a mortgage company, but this mortgage company has a big heart. FCM employees want to help the communities we serve, and I’m glad this is one way we can do that.”