The Woodbury School of Business (WSB) announced a renewed partnership with Utah Community Credit Union (UCCU) for the next 10 years. UCCU donated $400,000 to the WSB’s Money Management Resource Center (MMRC). The money will fund the student financial coaches, covering activities, promotion, and operational costs.

The MMRC provides engaged learning for Personal Financial Planning (PFP) students training to become financial counselors and advisors. These student counselors work with other students trying to navigate concerns like student loans, funding their education, completing a degree when financial pressures hit, and other issues such as transportation and housing.

"We’re proud of UCCU’s deep and lasting relationship with UVU,” said Bret VanAusdal, CEO of UCCU. “We’re grateful for all the ways this university seeks to improve the financial lives of its students and other members of our Utah communities. This is an educational institution that inspires students to go further, and so perhaps it’s only fitting that we felt inspired to round up UCCU’s donation to the Money Management Resource Center from $390,000 to $400,000. It’s a reflection of our commitment to our shared vision of people helping people to achieve their financial goals.”

The donation was presented on stage during the Reed and Christine Halladay Executive Lecture Series, where Dean Norm Wright was joined by leadership from UCCU and UVU. From UCCU: Bret VanAusdal, CEO; Ken Gibby, Executive VP; Brad Norton, CMO; Kevin Banks, AVP of marketing; Karen Tebbs, director of brand promise; Richard Hirst, AVP of development; and Linda Makin, chair of the board and also VP of planning, budget, and HR at UVU. From UVU: Astrid Tuminez, president; Ryan Law, director of the MMRC; Laura Ricaldi, finance department chair; and Jacob Sybrowsky, WSB associate dean.

"The MMRC provides great resources for our students, faculty, and community members through customized financial coaching sessions," said Laura Ricaldi. "In the WSB, we encourage students to participate in several engaged learning opportunities such as becoming a MMRC coach. Our MMRC student coaches gain valuable experience helping other students create budgets, provide debt management, and provide a kind and friendly experience.  Students who visit the MMRC often have a reduced level of stress even after the first appointment. We are so proud of our MMRC student coaches!"

“UCCU’s support of UVU has been both long-term and significant,” said Norm Wright. “This aspect of the partnership is particularly meaningful in that it allows PFP students to engage in real-world application of their learning by helping other students navigate the financial demands of school and life. I could not be more grateful to UCCU’s leadership team for their generosity and vision.”