Our Story
In 1955, Dr. Harry Crewson, then professor of economics and later president of Ohio University, strongly believed that Ohio University employees needed a place where they could borrow and save at reasonable rates. "In Athens in 1955, there were at least a couple of Agencies on Court Street, which specialized in lending money at high rates of interest. Also, I was aware that some of the non-academic employees at OU were going to these agencies for loans. From the outset, I envisioned a University Credit Union primarily as an organization that would provide reasonable lending and saving facilities for non-academic University employees," stated Crewson in a 1997 letter to the credit union.
While Crewson was chairman of the Faculty Advisory Council he received a credit union flier from the Ohio Credit Union League. Having a pioneering spirit and an economic background, he knew this was worth trying. With the approval of Ohio University President John Baker and $25 in hand, Crewson and Ohio University Treasurer Paul O'Brien secured a charter from the State of Ohio. OUCU officially opened for business in 1955 in the cashier's office in Ewing Hall. And so began Ohio's first state-chartered university credit union!
What began as one employee working just one or two hours a day has grown to over 100 employees in facilities open five days a week with 24-hour a day, 7 days a week access through twelve ATM machines and account access online and by phone.
By the end of the first year of operation, the credit union had 112 members and $11,879.23 in assets. We now have over 26,000 members $471 million in assets!
We remain through time, people helping people.
OUCU Mission
We go above and beyond to help our members live their best lives.
OUCU Values
We want to make a positive difference in the lives of our members and community!
Our employees' actions are guided by four values:
- WE ARE ACCOUNTABLE
- We do what we say we are going to do.
- We do what we say we are going to do.
- WE WELCOME EVERYONE
- We create a heartfelt sense of belonging for everyone in our community by demonstrating honesty, integrity, and kindness.
- We create a heartfelt sense of belonging for everyone in our community by demonstrating honesty, integrity, and kindness.
- WE ARE BOLD AND WE GO BEYOND
- We think big, always consider the needs of the member, and consistently exceed expectations.
- We think big, always consider the needs of the member, and consistently exceed expectations.
- WE MAKE THE DIFFERENCE
- We recognize, appreciate, and empower our most valued assets – YOU!
