Credit union pledges to support the financial
wellbeing of the Lumberjack community
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz., Aug. 19,
2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Desert Financial Credit Union
announces their partnership with Northern
Arizona University (NAU) as the official banking partner of
NAU Athletics and the NAU Alumni Association.
Desert Financial Credit Union pledges to
support the financial wellbeing of the NAU Lumberjack
community
As banking partner, Desert Financial will be the exclusive
provider of NAU-branded debit and credit cards, collaborate on
ongoing community engagement initiatives, and deliver financial
literacy education to NAU Athletics and NAU Alumni.
"Our commitment to education is at the heart of everything we
do, and our new partnership with NAU Athletics is a testament to
that dedication," said Desert Financial President and CEO
Jeff Meshey. "By working together,
we aim to empower students with the financial knowledge and
resources they need to succeed, both in their academic journeys and
in their future careers."
Arizona's largest credit union
is committed to supporting the Lumberjack community at large.
Throughout the partnership, Desert Financial and NAU will jointly
participate in local initiatives, including volunteer opportunities
and random acts of kindness in the community and year-round
financial wellness and literacy education for NAU alumni and
student-athletes.
"NAU's partnership with Desert Financial Credit Union reflects
our commitment to enhancing the experiences of our students,
alumni, and the greater Lumberjack community," said NAU President
José Luis Cruz Rivera. "This
agreement expands our ability to provide equitable and affordable
pathways to higher education, reimagine impactful learning
experiences that support our student-athletes, contribute to alumni
well-being, and drive social impact and community vitality."
Desert Financial launched the partnership with a $50,000 gift to the NAU Excellence Fund, which
provides support for student-athletes in soccer, volleyball, cross
country and football. The gift was presented to NAU Athletics on
Friday, Aug. 16, during the Meet the
Jacks community event at the university.
Furthermore, the credit union looks to have an impact in the
classroom with the Scores for Scholarship program, which is a
scholarship fund that Desert Financial pays into for each touchdown
scored by NAU Football and each three-pointer scored by NAU Men's
and Women's Basketball up to $15,000.
"NAU Athletics is proud to partner with Desert Financial Credit
Union and have them serve as the Official Banking Partner of
Northern Arizona University Athletics
and the Northern Arizona University
Alumni Association," said Vice President for Intercollegiate
Athletics Mike Marlow. "Their
commitment to the communities they serve and genuine interest in
assisting students to reach their goals formed a like-minded bond
between Desert Financial and NAU Athletics early in the process. We
are thankful and committed to being outstanding partners with
Desert Financial Credit Union, as we are both better together."
In addition to two on-campus ATMs, Desert Financial will have a
strong presence during NAU sporting events with in-arena digital
signage and on-site activations during home football and basketball
games to help students and fans open accounts and become members.
The credit union is now the title partner for the 7000s, the
student sections at all NAU home venues, and they are the
presenting sponsor of the NAU Athletics app.
Two NAU-themed debit card designs are available now, and one
credit card design will be available later this fall.
The credit union has a vested interest in Northern Arizona with its Flagstaff branch, which opened in July 2022. The branch is located at 4620 N US Hwy
89. Ste 2. Flagstaff, AZ 86004.
All NAU athletics sponsorship agreements are managed by athletic
media rights holder Lumberjacks Sports Properties, the locally
based team of Learfield, the media and technology company powering
college athletics. To learn more about Learfield, visit
Learfield.com.
To learn more about the partnership or to request a NAU-branded
debit or credit card, visit DesertFinancial.com/NAU.
"We're excited to see NAU Athletics, the NAU Alumni Association,
and Desert Financial Credit Union join forces," said Todd Wyard, General Manager of NAU Lumberjack
Sports Properties. "Desert Financial's dedication to the financial
well-being of our student-athletes and alumni exemplifies a
supportive partnership that truly makes a difference, offering
invaluable resources and opportunities to benefit our entire
Lumberjack community."
About Desert Financial Credit Union
Celebrating 85
years in Arizona, Desert Financial
is the state's most trusted local credit union with over
$8 billion in assets, 450,000+
members and nearly 50 branches. Membership eligibility is open
across Arizona with contactless
solutions making it easy to click, call or come in. As a
not-for-profit cooperative, Desert Financial takes pride in sharing
success. In 2024, members received $20
million in dividends via the Member Giveback Bonus. Desert
Financial is the official banking partner of NAU Athletics and the
NAU Alumni Association. Federally insured by NCUA. Learn more at
desertfinancial.com.
About Northern Arizona
University
Founded in 1899, Northern Arizona
University is a community-engaged, high-research university
that delivers an exceptional student-centered experience to its
nearly 28,000 students in Flagstaff at 22 statewide campuses and online.
Building on a 125-year history of distinctive excellence, NAU aims
to be the nation's preeminent engine of opportunity, vehicle of
economic mobility, and driver of social impact by delivering
equitable postsecondary value in Arizona and beyond. NAU is committed to
meeting talent with access and excellence through its impactful
academic programs and enriching experiences, paving the way to a
better future for the diverse students it serves and the
communities they represent.
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SOURCE Desert Financial Credit Union