Includes First-Ever Naming Rights to University Credit Union Pavilion
Moraga, CA, December 16, 2019 — Saint Mary’s College of California President James A. Donahue announced today a historic relationship between University Credit Union and Saint Mary’s College.
During a press conference on campus, Donahue and Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Mike Matoso introduced University Credit Union as the first comprehensive partner for Saint Mary’s College that will be integrated within both athletics and the campus.
Notably, University Credit Union and Saint Mary’s College aim to provide students, alumni, faculty and staff with comprehensive financial services, a dean’s choice grant program, sponsored student research opportunities and case study partnerships. As part of class curriculum, the student body also will have the opportunity to manage a small allocation of University Credit Union’s investment portfolio. Throughout campus, University Credit Union will provide multiple ATM locations, a future branch on campus and additional funding to the existing food pantry as well. An affinity alumni debit/credit card program will exist with benefits and incentives.
“University Credit Union and Saint Mary’s College have aligned values when it comes to making a difference in the lives of students and inspiring innovation,” Donahue said. “This partnership marks a tremendous step forward for the College and will benefit the entire campus community.”
Complementing the campus aspect, the University Credit Union agreement includes naming and sponsorship opportunities with Saint Mary’s Athletic Department, including the rebranded University Credit Union Pavilion, home to Saint Mary’s men’s basketball, women’s basketball and women’s volleyball. Additionally, University Credit Union signage will be visible throughout Saint Mary’s Athletics’ venues and on the floor inside University Credit Union Pavilion.
“We are grateful for University Credit Union to support the College with this expanded relationship with benefits to Athletics and the broader campus community,” Matoso said. “Our two organizations are a perfect fit. We each have strong core values and want to provide the best support for our students.”
This elevated relationship with University Credit Union was curated by Campus+, a dedicated team inside Learfield IMG College, the Gaels’ multimedia rightsholder. Campus+ pursues innovative, best-in-class university partnerships that align with both the athletics and university mission.
“University Credit Union is honored to partner with Saint Mary’s College. This partnership will provide financial services and education to give everyone in the Saint Mary’s College community a financial advantage on campus and beyond,” said University Credit Union President David Tuyo. “University Credit Union looks forward to serving and being an integral part of the Saint Mary’s community.”
The partnership comes at a time when both organizations are experiencing high-profile success across the board. Saint Mary’s Athletics continues to be ranked among the nation’s best in men’s basketball and men’s soccer, each in the Top-30 nationally. While, Saint Mary’s College was recently ranked as one of the Top-5 Regional Universities in the West by U.S. News and World Report, one of its highest rankings in school history.
University Credit Union is coming off a year in which they became the Official Financial Services Partner of the West Coast Conference and the sponsor of the WCC Basketball Championships. UCU has tied itself to the West Coast Conference and its member institutions, as their mission and values fall in line with other conference schools, along with Saint Mary’s College.