2025 marks a milestone we’re proud to celebrate—Credit Union of America’s 90th Anniversary! For nine decades, our purpose has remained the same: to make a real difference in the lives of our members. As we look back on this incredible journey, we want to take a moment to celebrate you, our members, and thank you for being part of our story.
Our Founding Story
Credit Union of America's story began in 1935, during the Great Depression, when many people had limited access to financial support. John Michener, a science teacher at Wichita East High School, witnessed a fellow teacher struggling to secure a loan. Many banks were failing, and it was difficult for teachers to access affordable financial services and credit.
Inspired by an article about how credit unions worked, he learned that these organizations allowed their members to pool their money together to help one another with loans and other financial needs. Michener gathered a group of teachers to do just that, and together, they were able to offer a loan to their fellow teacher in need. This simple act of kindness sparked Michener's vision to form a credit union where teachers could continue to help each other.
On March 6, 1935, the Wichita City Teachers Credit Union was officially chartered. Michener made the first deposit of just $5.00, and from there, he ran the credit union out of a small closet at East High School. In that cramped space, Michener not only handled the daily operations but also stored all of the financial records, keeping everything organized by hand.
What started as a small, teacher-focused credit union grew quickly. By 1974, we expanded our membership base to serve the broader community, and the credit union officially changed its name to Credit Union of America. Today, we proudly serve thousands of members, continuing the spirit of cooperation and support that started with a simple act of kindness 90 years ago.
Continuing Our Journey Together
As we move forward, we are driven by the same purpose that has guided us from the beginning: making a difference in the lives of our members. Every decision we make, every service we provide, is grounded in our commitment to helping you achieve your financial goals. This dedication is at the heart of who we are, and we are excited to continue serving you with the same care and passion that has defined us for 90 years.
We want to take a moment to thank you, our members, for making this journey possible. Your trust, loyalty, and support have been the foundation of everything we've achieved. From a small group of teachers helping each other to a trusted financial institution serving communities across Kansas, we've grown together and couldn't have done it without you.
Looking to the future, we're excited to continue this journey with you. Thank you for being part of our story, and here's to many more years of growth, community, and success.
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