After serving for 20 years on the Lending and Collections Council Executive Committee, Gary Parker is stepping down. But the committee, which steers the Southwest Lending and Collections Conference, wasn’t going to let Parker go without honoring his legacy in credit unions and on the council.
Southwest 66 Credit Union President Elizabeth Newman, also vice chair of the Lending and Collections Council Executive Committee, presented Parker with the news that the committee had created the Gary D. Parker Legacy Scholarship to honor his achievements within the credit union movement, as well as to help set up future leaders for success.
“Gary 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,” Newman said. “We plan to launch the scholarship in 2022.”
Parker, who has been the president/CEO of 1st University Federal Credit Union in Waco for 26 years, was also given a beautiful 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.”
Newman said Parker “has a heart of gold and lives and breathes the credit union philosophy of people helping people.” She related how he started his credit union career in 1974 at Oklahoma-based Bison Federal Credit Union and was recognized as the youngest president of any credit union in the state. He was 20.
“As a founding member of the council, your vision set the standard to be followed,” Newman said to Parker. “We appreciate your stewardship and guidance. You are a difference maker.”
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