RSPA Announces Full Funding of Steve Cuntz Memorial Scholarship

RALEIGH, NC – Thanks to incredible support from the retail IT channel community, the Steve Cuntz Memorial Scholarship is officially fully funded. This achievement was first announced at the Retail Solutions Providers Association (RSPA) Inspire leadership conference Jan. 28 in Curacao.  

Beginning in 2025 and continuing in perpetuity, this scholarship will provide one child or grandchild of an RSPA member company with a $3,500 scholarship. This scholarship was made possible thanks to contributions totaling $70,000 from the greater RSPA Community. Donors include: 

  • BlueStar 
  • Dave & Norma McCarthy 
  • Cervion Systems 
  • Mark & Denise Fraker 
  • Honeywell 
  • MicroTouch 
  • SpacePole 
  • Zebra Technologies 
  • Star Micronics 
  • Round 2 POS 
  • Citizen Systems 
  • Macro Integration 
  • Mann & Associates 
  • NCC 
  • Agora Edge 
  • J3 POS 
  • OrderCounter 
  • PamiTV 
  • Touch Dynamic 
  • CDW 
  • Gary Stant 
  • Jim Walsh 
  • Rodney Shaffer 
  • William Ritchford 
  • Kristy Schoulthies 

During the Jan. 28 General Session at Inspire 2025, Steve’s wife Vicki Cuntz was presented with a plaque in Steve’s honor. Steve was the late founder and CEO of BlueStar and one of the most influential executives in the retail IT channel. He was an unwavering supporter of the channel and the RSPA, and he was a fierce advocate for small businesses. Steve was inducted into the RSPA Retail Technology Hall of Fame posthumously in 2024.  

“The three phrases we included on the plaque commemorating Steve’s scholarship say: Channel Advocate, Industry Icon, and Family Man,” said Jim Roddy, RSPA President & CEO. “Steve shaped our industry for the better and improved the lives of many people while including his family every step of the way. We are grateful to the donors who have created this opportunity for our community to honor Steve and to ensure future generations will know his legacy.” 

The Steve Cuntz Memorial Scholarship will be available to the children and grandchildren of all RSPA members, and it will be awarded to a student pursuing a degree in finance, business, or entrepreneurship which were Steve’s passions. The recipient of the first scholarship will be awarded during the RetailNOW trade show and conference July 29 in Las Vegas. 

Since the inception of the RSPA Scholarship Program, the RSPA has awarded over 2,000 merit scholarships and nearly $3 million to families of member companies. The children and grandchildren of RSPA members are eligible for merit-based scholarships to help ease the costs associated with post-secondary education.  

For more information on the RSPA Scholarship Program, visit www.GoRSPA.org/scholarship or email the RSPA Member Services Team of Peggy Fry and Nicole Greene at Membership@GoRSPA.org.  

About RSPA (Retail Solutions Providers Association) 
The RSPA is North America’s largest community of VARs, software providers, vendors, and distributors in the retail, restaurant, grocery, and cannabis verticals. The mission of the RSPA is to accelerate the success of its members in the retail technology ecosystem by providing knowledge and connections. The organization offers member-to-member warm introductions, education, legal advice, industry advocacy, and other services to assist members with becoming and remaining successful. RSPA is most well-known for its signature events, RetailNOW® and Inspire®, which provide face-to-face learning and networking opportunities. Learn more by visiting www.GoRSPA.org.