Representatives of the UW-Whitewater Branch of the UW Credit Union were unhand to receive a Regents Business Partnership Award from Universities of Wisconsin President Jay O. Rothman and Regent Timothy Nixon, along with UW-Whitewater Chancellor Corey A. King. (UW-Whitewater Photos/Craig Schreiner)

UW Credit Union, a longtime partner of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and an enthusiastic contributor to the success of thousands of students, has earned the 2024 Universities of Wisconsin Regents Business Partnership Award.

“The partnership between UW Credit Union and UW-Whitewater encapsulates what the Regents Business Partnership Award is all about — these two entities are dedicated to student success and improving the lives of those in the community,” said Rothman. “From financial literacy training to participating in greater service projects, UW Credit Union and UW-Whitewater make our state a better place.”

UW-Whitewater and UW Credit Union have teamed together for more than 40 years to provide resources and information for students and to educate students about the importance of financial literacy.

“We are thrilled to accept this award from the Universities of Wisconsin,” said UW Credit Union President and CEO Paul Kundert. “We’d like to thank the Board of Regents and President Rothman for the recognition, along with Chancellor King and his team of Warhawks for being such wonderful partners. The ‘people-first’ philosophy is at the core of the credit union movement, and we’re proud to bring that experience to the UW-Whitewater campus.”

UW Credit Union has been an in-house partner to UW-Whitewater since opening a branch on campus in 1982. In addition to having the branch location inside the University Center, the credit union also provides ATMs on both the Whitewater and Rock County campuses for the convenience of Warhawk students, faculty, staff and visitors.

“UW-Whitewater welcomes students from all journeys. Financial literacy is at its heart equipping students with the knowledge, best practices and tools to successfully reach their financial goals,” said Chancellor Corey King. “UW Credit Union through our partnership provides space for our students to learn the importance of integrating financial tools toward their overall success. We deeply appreciate this collaboration. It’s a prime example of our commitment to inspire, engage and transform lives.”

UW-Whitewater and UW Credit Union have collaborated on a number of efforts during their partnership.

• In 2023, UWCU partnered with the university’s Financial Literacy Center (FLC) and the College of Business and Economics to offer more than 20 financial education sessions serving more than 600 student attendees.
• Last April, the credit union helped celebrate Financial Literacy Month by encouraging students to visit the Whitewater branch and win prizes for answering financial literacy questions. It also partnered with UW-Whitewater’s Andersen Library and the FLC on a virtual scavenger hunt during Money Smart Week.

• UW Credit Union actively supports UW-Whitewater’s student success initiatives, including the university’s annual Warhawk Welcome. The organization participates annually in 14 Student Orientation, Advising and Registration (SOAR) sessions as well as the Campus Resource Fair, HawkFest, and the Fall Prep Rally, engaging more than 2,000 students.
• Bank employees volunteered at the 2023 and 2024 Special Olympics Wisconsin Summer Games, joining UW-Whitewater colleagues by welcoming more than 1,400 athletes and fans to campus each year. UWCU has also supported other university initiatives, including Homecoming, final exam week, the Employee Benefits Fair, and the Wellness Fair.
• UW-Whitewater athletics, a perennial NCAA Division III powerhouse, also benefits from the support of UW Credit Union. The organization, an “Official Partner of University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Athletics,” has sponsored multiple athletics storytelling projects and community initiatives during the relationship.
• The Warhawk women’s basketball team supports Play4Kay, a national initiative aimed at raising funds for cancer awareness research named after Kay Yow, a former college women’s basketball coach who passed away from breast cancer. UW Credit Union has provided a donation match with the team for several seasons at the annual game, which is typically in February.

UW Credit Union awarded $115,000 in scholarships to students at the Universities of Wisconsin during the 2022-23 academic year and provided more than 200 financial education sessions to nearly 20,500 individuals on state campuses.

The credit union has also worked with multiple UW schools to co-brand debit cards as a fun way to engage students, faculty, staff and alums and drive school spirit throughout the state.

The Universities of Wisconsin Regents Business Partnership Award recognizes innovative collaborations between universities and businesses, as well as the impact these relationships have on campus, in the community and around the state.

About UW Credit Union

UW Credit Union is a growing, federally insured financial institution and a leading provider of a full range of financial services to University of Wisconsin communities. UW Credit Union’s more than 900 employees serve the financial needs of over 360,000 members through world-class technology systems and a convenient network of 35 branch locations and more than 100 ATMs. With $5 billion in assets, UW Credit Union is ranked nationally among the leading credit unions. Founded more than 90 years ago by members of the University of Wisconsin faculty and staff, UW Credit Union continues to operate as a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative with locations in the Madison, Milwaukee, Stevens Point, Green Bay, Oshkosh, Whitewater and La Crosse areas.