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Credit Union Development Education Program Awards Presented to Thompson, Schumacher & NC DEs

Alumni of Foundation’s CU Philosophy Training Gather at Special Workshop in Raleigh

MADISON, WI (August 19, 2013) — Three Credit Union Development Education (DE) Program Awards were presented last week at a special reception during the annual DE Workshop, August 13-15, 2013 in Raleigh, N.C. The DE Program Awards go to those certified Credit Union Development Educators (CUDEs) who exemplify what DE stands for through their individual or cooperative efforts to make a difference in their credit union, community or on a national/international basis.

Over 75 CUDEs gathered at the workshop to help the National Credit Union Foundation (NCUF) present the following awards:

Individual Achievement Award – Paul Thompson. Thompson is honored for his book entitled “Development of the Modern U.S. Credit Union 1970-2010”. Thompson, a former speechwriter for the Credit Union National Association (CUNA), authored the book to examine the technology, legal and regulatory changes, competitive pressures and other factors that have seen the industry grow from small, limited-service institutions run by volunteers to full-service, professionally staffed operations that now serve more than 90 million members.
Cooperative Spirit Award – North Carolina CUDEs. Collectively, the North Carolina CUDEs have created and offered a History and Philosophy Conference for North Carolina credit union professionals to enrich their understanding of the credit union values and principles. Over 150 people have attended the conferences and many have gone on to become CUDEs. The North Carolina History and Philosophy Conference is also becoming a template for other credit union groups to follow.
Lifetime Achievement – Bob Schumacher. Schumacher, a long-time CUDE, is perhaps best known in credit union circles as the master of ceremonies for the annual NCUF Dinner presenting the Herb Wegner Memorial Awards. Schumacher is an advocate for the DE program and has demonstrated this through his commitment and dedication in various ways. At CUNA GAC, World Council meetings, State credit union league events and other credit union venues, Schumacher constantly promotes the DE program. He has also influenced many people to become CUDEs. As a mentor for the program, Schumacher has been an inspiration to students and has helped to facilitate the program many times. In 2010, under the guidance of NCUF, Schumacher along with eight other DEs gathered to guide the formation of a new body to revitalize the DE program. This group, known as CUDE AC (Credit Union Development Education Advisory Council) elected Schumacher as its first Chairman and over the next two years the DE program has flourished.

“The DE program encourages action around the credit union philosophy and this year’s winners exemplify what being a CUDE is all about,” said Lois Kitsch, NCUF National Program Director. “A special thank you also goes to the DE Awards Committee who helped pick this year’s winners.”

*Note to editors – here are the captions for the attached Awards pictures:

Bob_Schumacher_Lifetime.jpg – Bob Schumacher holds his Credit Union Development Education (DE) Lifetime Achievement Award at the DE Workshop in Raleigh, N.C.
Jeff-Hardin-NCDEs.jpg – Jeff Hardin, Director of Communications at the North Carolina Credit Union League, speaks on behalf of North Carolina Credit Union Development Educators (CUDEs) who were honored with the Credit Union Development Education (DE) Cooperative Spirit Award at the DE Workshop in Raleigh, N.C.
Paul_Thompson_Individual.jpg – Paul Thompson holds his Credit Union Development Education (DE) Individual Achievement Award at the DE Workshop in Raleigh, N.C.

More about the DE Program
The mission of the Credit Union Development Education (DE) program is to promote credit unions’ social responsibility and domestic and international development through interactive adult education and professional networking. By linking credit unions’ past and present, the DE program brings renewed relevance to credit unions’ seven cooperative principles and the philosophy of “People Helping People.”

Since 1982, more than 1,000 credit union advocates from over 30 countries have graduated from DE Training to become Credit Union Development Educators (CUDEs). Once they earn their CUDE designation, people return to their jobs with a sense of personal enrichment and renewed energy to share what they have learned. This growing corps of credit union advocates devotes professional and volunteer time to spreading the credit union message to audiences throughout the country.

The National Credit Union Foundation is the primary sponsor of the DE program. Support is provided by CUNA Mutual Group, the Credit Union National Association, the World Council of Credit Unions, state foundations and leagues.

For more information on the DE program, visit www.ncuf.coop under Foundation Programs.

About the National Credit Union Foundation (ncuf.coop)
The National Credit Union Foundation is the US credit union movement’s primary national philanthropic program provider, fundraiser and grant-maker, working to help consumers achieve financial freedom through credit unions. Through NCUF grants and programs, credit unions provide widespread financial education, create greater access to affordable financial services, and empower more consumers to save, build assets, and own homes.

NCUF is funded primarily by investments in the award-winning Community Investment Fund (CIF) and by generous Corporate Supporters led by the Credit Union National Association and CUNA Mutual. All NCUF donors provide support that empowers NCUF and state credit union foundations to make financial freedom achievable through credit unions.

The National Credit Union Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization. NCUF continues to earn the Better Business Bureau seal of approval as an “Accredited Charity” for meeting all 20 BBB Wise Giving Alliance Standards for national charities.