Dr. Alisse Ali-Joseph Faculty Athletics Representative | Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Website
Dr. Alisse Ali-Joseph Faculty Athletics Representative | Northern Arizona Lumberjacks Website
Desert Financial Credit Union has been named the official banking partner of Northern Arizona University (NAU) Athletics and the NAU Alumni Association. This partnership will see Desert Financial providing exclusive NAU-branded debit and credit cards, engaging in community initiatives, and offering financial literacy education to both NAU Athletics and alumni.
Jeff Meshey, President and CEO of Desert Financial, stated, "Our commitment to education is at the heart of everything we do, and our new partnership with NAU Athletics is a testament to that dedication." He emphasized the aim to empower students with financial knowledge for their academic and future careers.
NAU President José Luis Cruz Rivera commented on the collaboration, saying, "NAU's partnership with Desert Financial Credit Union reflects our commitment to enhancing the experiences of our students, alumni, and the greater Lumberjack community."
The credit union marked the beginning of this partnership with a $50,000 donation to the NAU Excellence Fund. This fund supports student-athletes in various sports including soccer and football. Additionally, Desert Financial introduced the Scores for Scholarship program which contributes funds based on performance metrics from NAU sports teams.
Mike Marlow, Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics at NAU expressed pride in partnering with Desert Financial: "Their commitment to the communities they serve and genuine interest in assisting students to reach their goals formed a like-minded bond between Desert Financial and NAU Athletics early in the process."
Desert Financial plans further engagement through digital signage at sporting events and by sponsoring student sections known as 7000s at home venues. The credit union also serves as presenting sponsor for the NAU Athletics app.
Todd Wyard from NAU Lumberjack Sports Properties added, "We're excited to see NAU Athletics, the NAU Alumni Association, and Desert Financial Credit Union join forces."
Desert Financial has expanded its presence in Northern Arizona with a branch in Flagstaff opened in July 2022. All sponsorship agreements are managed by Lumberjacks Sports Properties under Learfield.
For more information about this partnership or obtaining an NAU-branded card, visit DesertFinancial.com/NAU.
Alerts Sign-up