September 2, 2024 ~ Lucy Ann Lance talks with Donna Doleman Dickerson, Chief Marketing Officer at the University of Michigan Credit Union. The University of Michigan Credit Union (UMCU) is celebrating its 70th anniversary in 2024, reflecting on its significant growth and deep-rooted community presence in Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County. Established in 1954 with just 12 members and nine dollars, UMCU has expanded to over 120,000 members and $1.3 billion in assets. Unlike traditional banks, UMCU operates on a “people helping people” philosophy, reinvesting profits into the community through lower rates and member-focused initiatives. Key community engagements include partnerships with Michigan Athletics and the Detroit Lions, as well as programs like the NIL partnership and collaborations with the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra for instrument donations to local schools. Last year’s campaign exceeded its goal by collecting over 250 instruments, showcasing UMCU’s commitment to enhancing member experiences and supporting education.