Gary D. Parker recognized for years of service to the credit union movement
WACO, TX (October 25, 2021) — At its recent conference, the Lending and Collections Council of the Cornerstone League recognized long-time executive committee member Gary Parker for his leadership and many contributions. During the recognition presentation, the Gary D. Parker Legacy Scholarship was announced. The scholarship will be awarded annually to a young professional in the credit union movement and will allow the recipient to attend the Southwest Lending and Collections Conference at no cost to them or their credit union.
“Gary has a heart of gold and lives and breathes the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people,’” said Elizabeth Newman, vice chair of the Lending and Collections Council. “He has a passion for mentoring young professionals, and because of that this scholarship will allow one Young Professional in the Cornerstone region to attend the Southwest Lending and Collections Conference at no cost. We plan to launch the scholarship in 2022.”
During the presentation, Parker was given a vase that bears his name and an inscription that reads: “In recognition and appreciation of your many years of leadership and commitment to the Lending and Collections Council Executive Committee.”
Parker, who has been the president and CEO of 1st University Credit Union in Waco for the past 26 years, began his credit union career in 1975 at Bison Federal Credit Union in Shawnne, Oklahoma. At the age of 20, he became the youngest president of a credit union in the state. Since joining 1st UCU, he has been an active participant in the Cornerstone League (formerly Texas Credit Union League). Parker was a founding member of the Lending Council in 2001 and served on its executive committee for 20 years. Additionally, Gary has served on the executive committee of the Small Credit Union Council and is the current incoming chairperson. He has also filled many roles for the Central Texas Chapter of Credit Unions including serving as its current president.G
According to Parker, “Receiving this recognition from my colleagues is an extraordinary moment in my life. And knowing that young credit union professionals will benefit from this scholarship for years to come is an incredible honor.”
Gary D. Parker, President and CEO, 1st University Credit Union
About 1st University Credit Union
1st University Credit Union has been helping people achieve their financial goals since 1956, originally serving employees, students, and alumni of Baylor University and their families. Today, it is a full-service credit union serving the Baylor and Waco communities by providing financial services and products to meet modern demands. Find out more at culink.net.
About Cornerstone League
Cornerstone League is the nation’s largest regional credit union trade association serving approximately 450 credit unions in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. Cornerstone exists to advance the success of credit unions in the region through legislative and grassroots advocacy; regulatory and compliance support; training, educational, and networking opportunities; essential communications related to news and information affecting the credit union industry; and other products and services that establish Cornerstone as the essential partner for credit unions. For more information, visit cornerstoneleague.coop.
