OU Credit Union is excited to share the success of the annual Giving Tree Donation Drive. In total, more than $300 and 500 gifts were donated to eight local organizations across Michigan and Illinois.

Donations benefited local families from participating organizations: End Violent Encounters and Child and Family Charities (Mid-Michigan), Neighborhood House (Southeast Michigan), and American Indian Health and Family Services (Detroit), Traverse Bay Children's Advocacy Center (Northern Michigan), Blood Cancer Foundation of Michigan (West Michigan), Home of the Sparrow (Northern Illinois), and Primo Center (Chicago).

From October 27 - November 22, gifts collected from each organization, ranging from toys to needed household items. OU Credit Union members, employees, and community members participated both in-person with branch gift tags and virtually via Amazon Wish List. Participants were also welcome, in connection with the annual Pay It Forward initiative, to donate monetary funds to the Giving Tree program. Funds were used at the end of the donation drive to purchase any remaining wish list items.

Thank you to everyone who helped brighten the holidays!

MSU Federal Credit Union hosted the 19th annual Student Art Exhibit located at the Headquarters Building 1. The exhibit opened for viewing on January 26 and continues through February 27. This exhibit gives mid-Michigan high schools the opportunity to showcase up to 10 art pieces made by students.

Local artists vote on the different paintings, sketches, 3D pieces, animations, and photography created by the students. The first, second, and third place juried winners along with 10 honorable mentions are awarded cash prizes. The community can cast their vote as well, for the cash prize Social Media Award, given to the student whose art gained the most "likes" on both the MSUFCU Student Art Exhibit Facebook and Instagram pages combined. After the viewing has closed, the Credit Union will host a special awards ceremony to announce winners and celebrate their accomplishments.

MSUFCU is proud to partner with the M3 Group to help bring this installation to life and give students the opportunity to showcase their artwork to the community. To learn more about the exhibit and voting process, visit the Student Art Exhibit's website.

For nearly two years, Oakland University Credit Union has partnered with Apple Developer Academy to bring a variety of financial education and career enhancing workshops to the heart of downtown Detroit. This includes topics such as credit, account management, fraud prevention and more. These workshops are led on sight by OU Credit Union's Financial Educators. Along with the financial literacy focus, OU Credit Union also features speakers from different departments to provide professional development focused on resume building and mock interviews, digital development, and insight into capital fundraising.

Program participants have given feedback on their experience while joining the sessions. Some have noted improvements to their individual relationship with finances along with having more confidence for future job interviews. As this partnership continues to grow, OU Credit Union looks forward to assisting more learners in the future with their financial education needs.

Are you looking to increase your own financial wellness? Visit the Financial 4.0 website to register for upcoming events and choose from a variety of articles to boost your financial knowledge.

MSU Federal Credit Union is proud to sponsor the 3Arts Community Award, celebrating artists whose work strengthens cultural connections and community engagement. This year's recipient, Wendy Clinard (she/her), exemplifies these values through her groundbreaking contributions to dance and education.

As founding artistic director of Clinard Dance, Wendy has spent over 25 years expanding flamenco into a contemporary, collaborative art form that bridges cultures and fosters dialogue. Her repertoire--performed locally and internationally--reflects a commitment to rhythm, improvisation, and storytelling across music, text, and visual art. Beyond the stage, Wendy's dedication to mentorship and justice-centered initiatives, including the Carcelera Project, underscores her belief in art's power to heal and transform.

By supporting artists like Wendy, MSUFCU affirms its mission to invest in creativity, inclusion, and the vibrant communities that make Chicago thrive.