Congrats on this accomplishment Kevin Kapke, CCUE! We believe in supporting and encouraging our leaders, and it's wonderful to see this milestone in your professional development.
I am honored and thrilled to announce that after three transformative years of learning, I have graduated with Honors from America's Credit Unions 67th graduating class of Credit Union Management School (CMS) at the University of Wisconsin and earned my Certified Credit Union Executive (CCUE) designation! This journey has been an incredible opportunity of learning, growth, connection and friendship building. The knowledge gained has been extensive, the friendships formed will be lasting and the experiences shared have been beyond invaluable. One of the greatest parts of this program was creating lifelong relationships with my student body from across the country, literally from California to Florida. The industry is filled with some of the most forward thinking, passionate and caring people I have met, and it was an honor to celebrate graduation with them. I owe a huge thank you to the executive leadership team and board of directors at Westerra Credit Union and my manager, Robert Barr, for believing in me and investing in my professional development. Your support has been 2nd to none. A shoutout to the amazing instructors, GA leaders, and faculty at UW and ACU for their dedication to the CMS program. Special recognition goes to our graduate assistants over the last 3 years, Rudy C. Arceo and Karen Rickett who guided us to success as the last graduating CMS class and the first graduating ACU CMS class. You truly made a difference with your passion in ensuring our success. To my friends made over the last few years thank you for your support, the laughs, during our journey together. Looking forward to continuing our friendships and applying this education to future management plans as we together transition into tomorrow's leaders of the movement in the continued effort to pick people over profit one member at a time.