UofL's preferred credit union partner to hold weeklong grand opening celebration

"We’ve created something completely different than any other branch,” said Leigh Ann Bowen, assistant branch manager for Commonwealth Credit Union, the university’s preferred credit union partner.

If the bright red, teal and white signage and new outdoor seating area in the Floyd Street parking garage courtyard isn’t enough to lend credence to Bowen’s claim, a step through the doors of the credit union’s newest location certainly will. With funky, silver-accented décor, flat screen monitor-adorned walls and popcorn-scented air, the Belknap Campus branch is an embodiment of the financial institution’s distinctive approach to doing business.

“Each individual that comes through that door, they’ve got a different past, they’ve got a different future and we try to match what we have to them so they can meet whatever goals that they have,” said Tracy Coffey, director of campus relations. “You’re not a number. You’re a person. We have passion — a passion to help and to serve.”

That passion will be on full display during Commonwealth Credit Union’s Grand Opening Week, August 29 through September 2. Guests can enjoy free food, games and prizes; ham it up in the Derby City Selfie booth; and take advantage of special offers, including a $100 incentive to open a new checking account.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 31 at 10 a.m. will feature appearances by Louie the Cardinal Bird, the Ladybirds and the Pep Band.  View the full schedule of events here.

Bowen and Coffey have a combined 40 years of tenure with Commonwealth Credit Union, the largest state-chartered credit union in Kentucky, and both jumped at the opportunity to become part of the Cardinal family. The UofL partnership is unique in the institution’s 65-year history. Both employees cite the chance to work with students and help build a more financially literate generation as one of the most exciting aspects of the venture.

One thing both Bowen and Coffey want to make clear: there’s no quid pro quo. 

“You don’t have to be a member. Come on over, we’ll pull you a credit report. We have a passion to help people,” reiterated Coffey. “I’m hoping that as we go through the years, this [branch] becomes a place to hang out. You know you’re going to get free cappuccino, free popcorn, free cookies, water. Stop in every morning on your way through, get a cappuccino — member or not.”  

Although the official grand opening takes place next week, the branch at 2126 S. Floyd St. has been open for a month and the Commonwealth CU team has had a presence on campus since last fall. 

“You guys have made us feel welcome,” said Coffey. "Everywhere I go now, I know someone. We are part of the campus community now.”

The Belknap Campus branch is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. More information about Commonwealth Credit Union, including a list of UofL ATM locations, is available at WeCUofLDifferently.com.