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Gary Ozzello is inducted into the 2021 Hall of Honor at Colorado State University

Canvas Credit Union’s Director of University Relations shows his greatness yet again with latest honor from Colorado State University.

DENVER, CO (August 24, 2021)Colorado State University (CSU) recently announced its 30th Hall of Fame class, including one special inductee into the Hall of Honor – Canvas Credit Union’s own Gary Ozzello. As Director of University Relations for Canvas, Gary was the only individual to be inducted into the 2021 Hall of Honor. Since Gary Ozzello is known to be synonymous with ‘Ram legend’, Canvas is thrilled to see Gary receive this honor as he continues to move his alma mater forward every day.

With a tenure of over 42 years at CSU, Gary joined the Canvas Credit Union Family in August 2020. Canvas couldn’t help but jump at the chance to have one of CSU’s most respected individuals in athletic history further nurture the Canvas and CSU partnership that began in 2018 after securing the naming rights to Canvas Stadium. During Gary’s tenure at Colorado State, he went from being a student to working in the sports information office to handling the media relations for student-athletes and community outreach for university communications. His dedication and work helped inspire generations of students to maneuver difficult situations and media relations within the world of athletic competition while creating new opportunities for CSU in the community.

“When we were searching for our next Director of University Relations and found out Gary was interested, we felt like we hit the jackpot!” shared Todd Marksberry, CEO & President at Canvas Credit Union. “Since Gary joined our Canvas Family in August 2020, he’s hit the ground running taking the CSU partnership to new heights. Daily, you can find Gary connecting all the dots and engaging with people in his joyful and humble way. Through Gary’s unwavering Ram pride, it’s truly special to see him enhance the Canvas/CSU partnership. I couldn’t imagine a more stand-up, deserving individual to be inducted into the 2021 CSU Hall of Honor than Gary Ozzello. It’s epic to have him as part of the Canvas Family, and more importantly, I am honored to call him a friend.”

As Director of University Relations, it’s like Gary never left CSU because of how great the partnership between CSU and Canvas is. Every day Gary continues to nurture this special relationship with exciting initiatives such as securing Canvas’ exclusive Rams+ rewards credit card catered to CSU Alumni, fans, and staff that gives extra perks for all Rams. Gary has also expanded the Canvas presence on campus as they join together for orientation and ‘Ram Welcome’ for incoming freshman, exclusive football tailgate events, and partnering with CSU to enhance the parent – family programs such as move-in day.

Gary’s impact extends all over Northern Colorado as he sets his vision towards reaching future CSU Rams as well. Through the Boys and Girls Club and the Poudre School District, Canvas executed a two-month summer course where Canvas’ Community Involvement team taught high school students about their finances. Not only did the students get a refreshing approach to financial education, but once they completed the course, the students were rewarded with 5 credits to use toward their remaining curriculum in the Poudre School District. With Gary’s grand vision and meaningful connections in the community, Canvas can bring these special programs to life.

When it comes to CSU, Gary’s heart is dedicated to connecting his alma mater with a world of new possibilities through Canvas. With more exciting things on the way for this important partnership, none of this would be possible without ‘Mr. CSU’ AKA Gary Ozzello, CSU’s latest Hall of Honor Inductee.


About Canvas Credit Union

Canvas Credit Union is a safe and insured financial institution with over $4.3 billion in assets and more than 295,000 members. Canvas provides a full array of financial products and services, including savings, checking, loans, mortgages, and online and mobile banking options. Serving Colorado communities for more than 85 years, Canvas currently has 34 branches and is well recognized for its people, its heart, and its commitment to community.

About Colorado State University (colostate.edu)
CSU is located in Fort Collins, Co. It is one of our nation’s leading research universities with world-class research in infectious disease, atmospheric science, clean energy technologies, and environmental science. It was founded in 1870 as the Colorado Agricultural College, six years before the Colorado Territory became a state.

Contacts

Katie Lindquist
dovetail solutions for Canvas Credit Union
719.352.1116
klindquist@dovetailsolutions.com

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