Nusenda Credit Union and The University of New Mexico (UNM) celebrated the ribbon cutting of the newly named Nusenda Center for Financial Capability (NCFC), marking continued investment of a more than 40-year partnership dedicated to improving financial literacy and student success.
The celebration highlighted Nusenda’s continued investment in student well-being and financial empowerment through a 10-year, $1.6 million commitment, with the center renaming to reflect Nusenda’s name. Building on nearly a decade of impact, this next phase ensures the center can expand its reach and continue delivering meaningful financial education and support to UNM students.
“At Nusenda, supporting UNM students is something we do every day. From serving them at our Lobo Landing branch in the Student Union Building to providing tools and guidance that help them navigate real financial challenges,” said Nusenda Credit Union President and CEO Michelle Dearholt. “This investment strengthens our ability to meet students where they are and prepare them for what comes next, whether that’s building a budget, establishing credit, or accessing responsible lending solutions. We’re excited to deepen our commitment to help students gain confidence, build strong financial habits, and successfully transition into life after college.”
Originally established in 2018 through a collaboration between Nusenda and the UNM Dean of Students Office, the Center for Financial Capability was created to address financial literacy gaps and support student success. Since then, the center has grown into a critical campus resource, helping reduce financial stress, improve retention, and provide targeted support for first-generation, Pell Grant-eligible, and low-income students.
"The Nusenda Center for Financial Capability began with a student's vision for a resource that would help fellow students navigate the financial challenges that often stand in the way of success," said UNM Dean of Students Nasha Torrez. "Nusenda's partnership and investment brought that vision to life, and together we have built a program that has positively impacted thousands of students. The center's growth demonstrates what is possible when we listen to student voices, invest in their ideas, and work collaboratively to create meaningful solutions that strengthen student success and well-being.
For more than four decades, Nusenda and UNM have built a partnership focused on expanding opportunity and strengthening communities across the state. Since 1985, Nusenda has invested more than $7.5 million in university initiatives. With this latest commitment and the recently announced partnership naming The Pit – Powered by Nusenda, the credit union is committing nearly $20 million in additional investment over the next 10 years, significantly expanding its long-term support of UNM students, programs, and campus experiences.
This expanded investment reflects a shared vision for student success that spans academics, financial well-being, and campus life, ensuring UNM students are supported both inside and outside the classroom. This year represents a landmark moment in the partnership, reinforcing Nusenda’s support of UNM Athletics and on-campus banking access, creating a comprehensive approach to supporting Lobos throughout their college journey and beyond.
Learn more about Nusenda’s partnerships at Nusenda.org.
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