Eric Orbanus always introduces himself as a full-time everything — employee, student and father of two young children.

To complete his education the busy 32-year-old — an Army calvary scout veteran with deployments to Afghanistan and Qatar — has his eye on buying a few extras: a new laptop computer and a coveted parking pass for next semester at the University of Colorado campus in Colorado Springs.

The presents will come via an adult-style Santa delivery.

Orbanus was surprised to learn recently that he was selected to receive $2,500 toward his studies in business administration with an emphasis in accounting, which will conclude with his graduation one year from now.

The financial boost from an organization that speaks to Orbanus’ soul will help him add the title of bachelor’s degree holder to his list of accomplishments.

Orbanus is this year’s winner of an annual scholarship from the Zebulon Pike Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.

“I’m grateful when I’m able to obtain a scholarship and thank the community for giving me the opportunity to further my education,” he said. “Having it be military means that much more to me.”

 It’s being presented through the UCCS Military and Veterans Affairs Division, which chose Orbanus as the winner.  

“Eric Orbanus’ selection for the DAR scholarship was based on multiple factors, to include his GPA, his military experience and his community involvement,” said Crista Hill, director of the division. “UCCS is very grateful for the support of the Zebulon Pikes Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. They consistently show up for our student veterans by offering this scholarship each year.”

Orbanus will accept the award at the organization’s Holiday Tea on Saturday.

“It’s always exciting to hear how our scholarship impacts the course of their education,” said Deb Neubauer, chapter regent.

Some of the chapter’s veteran members will share their reasons for joining their particular branch of service and their most meaningful award, Neubauer said. In honor of the French and Spanish serving as allies in the nation’s fight for freedom, the tea will feature sweets from those countries.

The tea also kicks off a year-long campaign, “$2,500 for America 250!” The drive will raise contributions from members for next year’s scholarship, not only with a nod to nation’s 250th anniversary but also in recognition to Colorado’s 150th birthday and the 75th anniversary of the founding of El Paso County in 2026.

The Zebulon Pike Veteran’s Scholarship at UCCS started in 2019 in commemoration of the chapter’s 125th anniversary. Members initially raised $1,380 for one UCCS student annually, which has since grown to $2,500, Neubauer said.

“Through this fundraiser we seek to honor our patriot ancestors who sacrificed their lives and fortunes to establish this great country,” she said. “We weren’t quite sure how much we’d raise, but this is quite a bit for our members. We wanted to help students whose GI Bill funding had run out and needed something to help finish credit hours to graduate.”

Orbanus currently works for a government contractor as an engineering tech in building antennas for U.S. Space Force.

“Ultimately my goal is to combine my leadership experience from the military with all the skills and knowledge I’m learning now to be a program or project manager in the future,” he said.

Education is one of three pillars of focus for the service organization, along with patriotism and historic preservation. Members also have given an award every year since the 1970s to award the U.S. Air Force Academy cadet with the highest grade in history. And they’ve had an endowment scholarship fund at Colorado College since the 1930s.

The local Zebulon Pike Chapter is one of three such organizations in Colorado Springs and holds the monikers of the state’s oldest and largest chapter, having been founded in 1895.

Today’s 246 members, who are required to have direct lineage to a man or woman who either fought, gave comfort or somehow assisted in the Revolutionary War, will sell T-shirts with the chapter logo, conduct $250, $150 and $75 pledge drives among members, host a cocktail party fundraiser and other efforts next year.

The American Revolution, the 1775-1783 war between the 13 founding colonies and Great Britain, led to sovereignty for the United States and the country’s founding in 1776 with the Declaration of Independence.

The local chapter conducts numerous community service projects under its Service to America program, such as cemetery cleanups, erecting historical markers, fulfilling a wish list for a special education class at Mitchell High School every fall, donating goods to organizations such as One Nation Walking Together and The Place day center for homeless youth, holding student essay contests, presenting various recognitions for military veterans in the community and other efforts.

“We do so many important things in our community that nobody ever knows we do,” Neubauer said. “You’ll see us in lots of places.”

Look for people wearing the new T-shirts.