During the month of July, all Southeast Michigan branches participated in a school supply donation drive, benefiting Neighborhood House. MSUFCU is proud of our employee and member donations to the Neighborhood House Blast Off 2 School donation drive, contributing over 233 packs of school supplies to Oakland County students.

MSUFCU's Southeast Michigan and Detroit Market Manager, Ian Duncanson, was proud to continue this partnership because, "The Blast Off 2 School event is a great way for MSUFCU to engage our members and employees to collect and distribute school supplies to hundreds of kids in the Rochester, Avondale, and surrounding school districts in Southeast Michigan. Youth empowerment is one of MSUFCU's essential philanthropic pillars, and we're pleased to collaborate with Neighborhood House on this program each year."

On Saturday, August 16, five MSUFCU employees volunteered at the Neighborhood House Blast Off 2 School Shopping Day. Neighborhood House clients and their children were invited to shop for needed school supplies. Neighborhood House supports residents of Oakland County through hardship and guides them to a path of self-sustainability. They serve over 3,000 households per year in Oakland County through their food pantry, emergency aid, clothes closet, sustainability services, counseling, transportation services, and more.

The Social at 311 is back by popular demand, and better than ever! Your favorite MSUFCU member exclusive event series is returning in style this fall to offer evenings filled with community and connection that you won't want to miss.

The 2025 fall season will include:
• September 8th - Intro yoga class and sound bath provided by East Lansing Hot Yoga
• October 7th - Fall tote bag painting provided by Paint Your Poison
• November 10th - Cupcake decorating provided by Drizzle Cakes and Bakes

These are exclusive member events and members may purchase up to a total of four tickets for $40 per person. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Season passes will be available for purchase for $90 from now until September 8th, subject to availability.

The Culture of Finances (TCOF) financial empowerment program hosted their 2025 Financial Forum at MSUFCU's Headquarters 2 Building on Saturday, August 2. MSUFCU's Financial Education team, a Mortgage representative, and LEAP led presentations and breakout sessions on topics like credit management, homeownership, bridging the family finances gap, and the intersection of community and money. Panelist included Ourspace (517)'s Mikeyy Austin, NAACP Lansing's Harold Pope, Grit, Glam, and Guts' Cameo King, and MSUFCU's Engagement Inclusion and Belonging VP Dr. Ashley Baker.

On August 3, the following day at Headquarters 2, featured the second annual Black Business Expo. Over 35 businesses opened booths from 12 - 4 p.m. to the public to sell products, foods, and services. MSUFCU's Community Impact VP Arianna Ridderbusch shared, "It gives them [business owners] a chance to showcase their talents. And, we just want to uplift those small businesses, because at the Credit Union, we believe in supporting our small business owners."

Learn more about The Culture of Finances.

In June and July MSUFCU supported Ele's Place West Michigan and Mid-Michigan through their summer 5Ks. On Sunday, June 8, Ele's Place West Michigan hosted its inaugural Healing Hearts 5K, bringing together over 200 community members for a day of remembrance, connection, and support. The event raised more than $30,500 to benefit grieving children and families served by Ele's Place. MSU Federal Credit Union proudly supported the race as the Going Green Sponsor, with three of their employees volunteering alongside 34 other dedicated community members to ensure the day ran smoothly. Many families currently supported by Ele's Place were invited to attend at no cost, offering them a chance to come together for a fun and meaningful day.


On July 19, the annual Ele's Race 5K took place in Okemos, its 20th year at Jackson National. The race is one of Ele's Place's largest fundraisers, including three different races: 5K Run/Walk, Kids Ray of Sunshine Mile, and Kids Ray of Sunshine Dash, as well as a virtual component (over 60 participants). There were over 1200 participants, with special visits from Sparty, Zeke the Wonder Dog, and MSU NIL athletes.

MSUFCU is proud to help support Ele's Place and their mission to help grieving families.

Fraud is something nearly all of us have encountered -- whether it's an unauthorized charge, a phishing email, or a scam phone call. In Season 13 of Wallet Watch, host Jessica Rubio explores how fraud is evolving and what you can do to stay protected.

Kicking off the season, Jamie Smathers, VP of Fraud Prevention at MSUFCU, discusses how fraud has changed over time and where it's headed as technology, including AI, becomes more advanced.

With romance scams costing consumers over $12.5 billion in 2024, Jessica and Senior Financial Educator DaVante break down how these scams work, what warning signs to look for, and why scanning unexpected QR codes could put you at risk.

Phishing remains the top method scammers use to steal personal and financial information. In Phishing 101: Don't Take the Bair, Chief Information Security Officer at MSUFCU, Erin Landis explains how these attacks are becoming more urgent and realistic -- and why slowing down could save you.

From AI-generated deepfakes to stolen identities, this season explores real threats and offers real solutions. The message is clear: the more you know, the better you can protect yourself.

Stay informed. Stay safe. Tune in now.

MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation (DDF) recently hosted its Third Annual Donor Event to celebrate its mission of empowering transformational change and making a sustainable difference in our communities. The event offered food, fun, and a celebration of the foundation's impact.

Along with MSUFCU Desk Drawer Foundation officials, Credit Union leadership and community representatives shared remarks, expressing gratitude and appreciation for donors and their support. Additionally, the event offered opportunities to win tickets to popular MSU sports games, enter the quarterly Desk Drawer Fund Raffle, and take a photo with Zeke the Wonderdog. Drawer Foundation supports five philanthropic pillars – The Arts,
Entrepreneurship, Financial Education, Stable Housing, and Youth Empowerment.

In 2024, grants totaled over $800,000. The foundation not only provides monetary support for organizations; it strengthens the bond of community. The annual celebration furthers
the foundation's vision of vibrant communities where every act of giving creates profound impact, fostering a culture of generosity and empowerment.

With the hard work of students from Michigan State University's Games for Entertainment and Learning (GEL) Lab, MSUFCU has launched an interactive Apple Vision Pro game to create Campus Explorer Experience powered by MSUFCU. This innovative application is one of the first of its kind that allows users to explore a virtual map of campus, visually highlighting MSUFCU's integration on campus and some of the most prominent landmarks located at MSU. This experience also allows you to play a variety of different gaming modes, including working a shift at the MSU Dairy Store, playing fetch with Zeke the Wonderdog at Beaumont Tower, and even getting a chance to paint the Rock.

Throughout the game, players learn about various MSUFCU products and services, specifically financial literacy resources available to students. During Campus Explorer Experience sessions on campus, students can visit the new community space, In Good Taste®, located next to the MSUFCU branch inside the MSU Union.

If you are looking for your chance to try this new engaging experience and learn more about the benefits of membership with MSUFCU, to visit the Financial 4.0 website to see when the next event is being held.

To wrap up 2025, MSU Federal Credit Union put $8,800 back into the community to celebrate 88 years of service and thank membership, during Pay It Forward Week. The week originates from one of the Credit Union's core values: giving back to the community. During the week, MSUFCU employees participated in over 16 activations and volunteer experiences across all market regions.

MSUFCU partnered with businesses and organizations such as mid-Michigan's Celebration Cinema and book shop Hooked, Grand Rapids' Public Museum and AYA Youth Collective, Auburn Hill's Willowbrook Assissted Living, Detroit's Roasting Plant Coffee and Chicago's Hopsmith. Experiences included surprising community members with free items or vouchers for discounted purchases at local shops, as well as meaningful interactions, such as making floral arrangements or serving meals. In addition to opportunities in the community, employees in the office created over 200 cards for local hospital patients to spread cheer and encouragement. In branches, to show appreciation to Credit Union members, staff handed out a small gift, a branded tote bag.

Pay It Forward Week is a great time to reflect on the Credit Union's story and growing community, while as encouraging others to preform acts of kindness.