Ascend Federal Credit Union hosted a partnership appreciation event Nov. 30 at its new branch at 2316 E. Main St. in Murfreesboro.
In her opening remarks, Ascend’s President and CEO Caren Gabriel reminded all in attendance that the credit union has been serving Murfreesboro and Rutherford County since 1988 when Ascend opened a branch at the VA Medical Center.
“And now, with the beautiful new facility, the proximity to MTSU’s campus highlights our commitment to the faculty, staff, students, and alumni of the MTSU community,” she said. “ As the exclusive credit union of Blue Raider Athletics and the exclusive presenting sponsor of MTSU Arts, Ascend is not just part of MTSU’s culture, but we are MTSU’s credit union.”
Among those in attendance, MTSU President Sidney McPhee said he appreciates the leadership role Ascend has taken with MTSU.
“Ascend is dedicated to our university and to our community,” he said. “This has been a wonderful partnership, and we appreciate Ascend’s commitment to being True Blue.”
Ascend Board Chairman Anthony Taylor said Ascend’s commitment to the university extends beyond sponsorships.
“Our Business Development Officers have been conducting financial education seminars for University 1010 classes for several years,” he said.
Taylor praised city administrators for their assistance with the new branch and recognized individuals who promote the MTSU partnership.
“On behalf of our Board of Directors, I want to thank Mayor McFarland and the City of Murfreesboro for their assistance with facilitating the construction and opening of this beautiful branch,” he said. “I want to thank MTSU President Sidney McPhee, Director of Athletics Chris Massaro, Vice President for University Advancement Joe Bales, Development Director for the College of Liberal Arts Meredith Kerr, and the entire faculty and staff at MTSU for helping Ascend ensure that this partnership benefits the entire MTSU community.”
Red and blue ribbons were intertwined and cut to symbolize the partnership between MTSU and Ascend, and attendees were treated to a musical performance by a saxophone quartet from MTSU’s School of Music.
With more than $2 billion in assets, more than 170,000 members and more than 500 employees, Ascend is the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee and one of the largest federally chartered credit unions in the United States. The National Association of Federal Credit Unions (NAFCU) selected Ascend as the 2015 Federal Credit Union of the Year. Ascend is federally insured by the NCUA.
