ANN ARBOR, Mich.– The University of Michigan Credit Union was awarded second place in the 2021 Alphonse Desjardins Adult Financial Education Award competition held CUNA.
Administered in Michigan by the Michigan league and CUNA, the Alphonse Desjardins award program recognizes credit unions for exemplary financial education efforts.
“The league congratulates the Michigan winners of the 2021 CUNA awards,” said MCUL CEO Patty Corkery. “I am very proud of our state credit unions, all of which work tirelessly to find new ways to build financial health for our 5.7 million members. The many programs and services represented among this year’s winners is a great example of that commitment.”
The Alphonse Desjardins Adult Financial Education Award honors leadership within the credit union movement on behalf of adult financial literacy. The purpose of this is award is to recognize exemplary credit union efforts to teach personal finance concepts and skills to members and non-members. UMCU won the state-level adult financial education award for an institution with over $1 billion in assets.
UMCU’s Financial Education program, led by Financial Education Manager Mark Munzenberger, consists of in-person and online workshops for members, community members, and students. Members also have access to various financial wellness resources and services, such as individual financial counseling.
UMCU was specifically recognized for its ability to pivot its programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. To adjust to the pandemic, UMCU adopted a virtual format to present its workshops, and educate people on how to adapt financially based on unique circumstances that the pandemic posed. For guiding its members and community members through the ever-changing landscape of 2020 and 2021, UMCU won top honors from these esteemed credit union leadership organizations.
“Helping our members overcome their financial challenges is perfectly aligned with the credit union philosophy of people helping people,” stated Munzenberger. “Our programs recognize that financial well-being looks different for everyone. We design our workshops to teach people both what to do and how to do it. Our judgment-free approach to financial wellness is one of the many ways we respect our members and encourage education in an open and safe environment.”