Announcing Grant Awards and New Branch Opening

Aggieland Credit Union Gives $25,000 to Texas A&M Strategic Philanthropy Course 

Aggieland Credit Union has committed $25,000 over the next five years to continue its backing of the Texas A&M Strategic Philanthropy Course. The donation will be used as a learning tool to teach corporate giving to the next generation of business and community leaders.  

More than 200 students have taken the course since its inception in 2016. Aggieland Credit Union first became a funding partner in 2020. The course, which trains students to become generous business leaders, has awarded more than $1 million to Brazos Valley nonprofits.  

“Philanthropy and community partnership are essential parts of our core values at the credit union,” said Tina Muth, Aggieland Executive Officer with Aggieland Credit Union. “This course emphasizes the value of financial stewardship that goes beyond earning a profit. It’s essential students understand how corporate philanthropy contributes to the greater good.” 

Through the course, students examine the purpose of philanthropy, the role of charitable foundations, and how they are organized and operated. Students also learn about nonprofit strategy, leadership, and finances. 

“Because of organizations like Aggieland Credit Union that help underwrite these grants, our students are able to award real money to the nonprofits,” said Kyle Gammenthaler, Clinical Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University. “Being able to make real financial donations to the causes the students deem viable based on their vetting process makes a lasting impression on the students and allows the nonprofits to keep carrying out their mission.”

Credit Union of America Awards $40,520 in Grants 

Credit Union of America announced last month that it awarded $40,520 in grants for the Teach, Grow and Inspire the Future (TGIF) classroom grant. Forty-nine teachers across Kansas received the grant, which will help with classroom funding needs, projects, supplies, field trips, and other educational activities.  

Julie Kobbe, Competitive Speech and Acting/Debate teacher at Andover Central High School plans to use the funds to immerse students in policy debate. The project she dubbed “Debate is More Than Arguing” describes the importance of placing students in real debate scenarios, saying that the project is designed to give debate students an experiential learning experience that immerses them in policy debate through the lens of trial law. The funds will help provide students with resources to prepare for a trial, meet with local attorneys, and visit a courtroom to witness a trial firsthand. 

Since the inception of the TGIF classroom grant in 2000, Credit Union of America has awarded more than $565,000 to educators.  

Greater Texas Credit Union Opens New Branch in NW Austin 

The growing Northwest Austin area is now home to a new branch of Greater Texas Credit Union.  

Located at 12319 North Mopac Expressway, the 6,528-square-foot full-service financial center offers everything consumers need to manage their financial needs. The branch serves as a one-stop location where members can build relationships with experienced financial professionals who can help members with everything from routine transactions to more complex financial needs for every stage of life. 

The facility kicked off with a big crowd from the community attending the grand opening festivities in May. The family-friendly celebration included entertainment, refreshments, face painting, a balloon artist, snow cones, and giveaways. 

Branch Manager Steven Rodriguez oversees the new location’s daily operations.   

“As the city has expanded and evolved, so have the needs of our members,” said Lole Nuñez, AVP branch operations with Greater Texas Credit Union. “We chose this new Mopac location very intentionally, to better serve those members while staying accessible to those near our longtime North Lamar location.” 

Nuñez added, “We’re excited for what this new chapter represents: growth, accessibility, and a renewed commitment to our members across the Austin metro.”