FLAGSTAFF, Ariz.—Desert Financial Credit Union said it has entered into a partnership with Northern Arizona University (NAU) to become the official banking partner of NAU Athletics and the NAU Alumni Association.
In a statement, Desert Financial Credit Union pledges to support the financial wellbeing of the NAU Lumberjack community
As banking partner, Desert Financial said it 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," Desert Financial President and CEO Jeff Meshey said in a statement. "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."
Local Initiatives
Throughout the partnership, Desert Financial said it 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.
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 during the Meet the Jacks community event at the university.
In addition, the credit union said it 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.
‘Strong Presence’
In addition to two on-campus ATMs, Desert Financial said it 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 said it also 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 CU added.
The $8-billion Desert Financial CU has more than 450,000 members.