SmartStart Lion Branch Grand Opening

On November 12, 2014 students, faculty, and community leaders, including Congressman David Joyce, gathered in the Notre Dame-Cathedral Latin School cafeteria for the opening of the SmartStart Lion Branch of Cardinal Community Credit Union. The branch kiosk is designed to provide financial literacy education to the high school students as well as give student volunteers an opportunity to experience work in the financial sector

“The mission of Cardinal Community Credit Union to brighten the financial future of others meshes with NDCL’s mission to educate leaders,” said Christine Blake, President and CEO.

The initiative began with inquiry from members of NDCL’s year-old business club who were hoping to find a project that aligned with their desire to learn about and experience business practices. Working with club moderators Mrs. Nancy Vondrak and Mrs. Victoria Eby over the summer months, the club executives pursued an opportunity to open a credit union branch on NDCL’s campus. Kevin LaCamera, Vice President of Business Development, worked closely with a team of students to get the project off the ground. “We have great hope for the future when we see and listen to what our students are doing,” explains Sr. Jacquelyn Gusdane, president of NDCL.

Congressman Joyce, whose children Trenton `10, Keighle ‘12 and Bridey `13 are NDCL graduates, advised the students, “Start early and save for yourself. Make yourself independent.”

Business club president, Chris Lund `15, hopes the opportunity will do just that. “The student accounts will offer debit cards with checking and saving accounts, and the flexibility of a branch kiosk right here in our cafeteria is a convenient way for them to handle their own finances. Plus, the student volunteers have a great opportunity to learn about banking while adding something substantial to their college resumes. It’s really a win-win!”

The grand opening festivities included a lunch block gala with giveaways and games. To promote financial literacy, student winnings included vouchers for matching dollars for deposits into savings accounts.

Pictured Ken Deken, Cardinal Chairmen of the Board of Directors; Christine Blake, CEO/President; Sr. Jacquelyn Gusdane, NDCL President; Congressman David Joyce; representatives from Cardinal Community Credit Union and NDCL students.