Scholarship Fund
The Alexa Lindsey Memorial Scholarship Fund
When Brian and Courtney Leibrandt decided to adopt, they never imagined what “growing their family” would truly come to mean. Through Bethany Christian Services, they met Alexa Lindsey, a young expecting mother hoping to place her child through open adoption. Brian recalled, “From the get-go, we had this big connection to Alexa. She brought such energy and light to the room and her sense of humor was incredible.”
As Alexa’s pregnancy progressed, a genuine friendship blossomed. She introduced the Leibrandts to her family, and they accompanied her to doctor’s visits, creating a tradition of meals at Russ’ restaurant afterward. It was at Russ’ where they decided together on a name for their daughter – Enslie.
After Enslie’s birth, their connection deepened through shared holiday celebrations, travel, and new traditions. Their cherished memories include annual Christmas ornament selections, Tulip Time parade selfies with Bill Steffen, and a Disney World trip where they dressed as Alice in Wonderland characters. Each year, they celebrated Enslie’s birthday at Russ’. “Alexa got Russ’ to put my name on the sign outside!” Enslie remembered.
“Adopting Enslie meant gaining a whole other family,” Courtney explained. “The more people who can love a child, why wouldn’t you want that?” Alexa’s personality left an indelible impression on everyone she met. She was beloved by her coworkers at JR Automation and transformed strangers into friends with her humor and enthusiasm – a trait she and Enslie share. Quieter moments found them fishing together or reading Harry Potter books.
When Alexa passed unexpectedly in 2022, hundreds of people shared tributes with common themes – her empathy, humor, and devotion to Enslie. Amid their grief, the Leibrandts sought to create a lasting tribute to the woman who changed their lives forever. Drawing on Brian’s previous experience with community foundations, they reached out to CFHZ. “We weren’t sure if creating a scholarship fund was something people like us, with smaller resources, could do,” Brian shares. “After talking with the CFHZ team, we understood it could be a reality.”
In 2023, they established the Alexa Lindsey Memorial Scholarship Fund, supporting area students impacted by adoption, particularly non-traditional students returning to studies after a gap. “Alexa was the most courageous person we’ve ever met,” says Courtney. “She did the most selfless thing by allowing us to become parents and part of her family. This scholarship aims to reach someone like her and support them as they pursue their passions.”
Community support has strengthened the fund’s impact. Alexa’s former employer, JR Automation, embraced the scholarship. Gifts came through individual contributions and the JR Community Cares fund, which distributes money to initiatives that are nominated and voted on by employees.
The scholarship was awarded to its first recipient in 2024. Meeting the awardee was particularly meaningful for the family, and Enslie bonded with the recipient immediately over a shared love for Harry Potter. Brian noted. ” We trusted the selection process and when we met the recipient, we understood. He’s an extraordinary person.”
Looking ahead, the Leibrandts hope to eventually endow the scholarship, ensuring its permanence. More than anything, they want recipients to carry Alexa’s generous spirit forward. “Take each day and live it to the fullest. That’s how we honor Alexa,” said Courtney. “Find the joy in the small things and that will get you far.” Through this scholarship, Alexa’s legacy of kindness and courage lives on, creating opportunities for others while keeping her memory vibrant.