Written by Maureen Brakke
MONMOUTH, Ore.—Maps Community Foundation, the community giving arm of Maps Credit Union, is proud to announce its generous donation of $25,000 toward supporting the new Student Success Center at Western Oregon University. This vital support will enhance the student experience and provide essential resources for students on their journey from enrollment to graduation.
With approximately 50 percent of Western’s students being first-generation college students, many encounter challenges that can hinder their academic success. The support from Maps Community Foundation will play a crucial role in addressing these needs, offering students the support and resources necessary to thrive throughout their college experience.
“At Maps, we believe in the power of education and the importance of giving back to our community,” said Kim Hanson, executive director of Maps Community Foundation. “We are thrilled to contribute to the Student Success Center and help foster an environment where all students can achieve their goals.”
VP of Advancement and Executive Director of the WOU Foundation at Western Oregon University Katie Wojke, expressed gratitude for the partnership. “Having community partners like Maps Credit Union and Maps Community Foundation is invaluable. Their understanding of the importance of supporting students in college enhances our ability to provide essential resources. We are deeply thankful for their generous contribution, which will significantly impact the lives of our students.”
Completing a college degree enhances the quality of life for students and positively impacts their families and the wider community. The new Student Success Center is now open and will provide a welcoming space for students to access academic support and resources that empower them to succeed. Learn more about the Student Success Center.
Pictured LTR: Adry Clark, Director of the Center for Professional Pathways; Jen Koshnick, Director of Advising; Rian Gayle, Director of Disability Access Services; Paige Jackson, Assistant Provost of Enrollment Management; Bart Cedillo, Maps Community Foundation board member; Kim Hanson, executive director, Maps Community Foundation; Judy Beebe, Maps Community Foundation board member; Katie Wojke, VP of Advancement and Executive Director of the WOU Foundation.
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About Maps Credit Union
On June 6, 1935, one year after the Federal Credit Union Act became law, an organizational meeting was held in what was then called Salem Senior High School. That day, 20 teachers agreed to volunteer their time and talents to start a credit union that would benefit all employees of Marion County Public Schools and Willamette University. Since 1935, we’ve grown from just 20 members to nearly 80,000 members and we’ve changed a lot along the way. For one thing, our community now encompasses the entire Willamette Valley—not just teachers and school employees. Our products and services have changed a lot over the years too, but the security of our members and the cooperative values we were founded on are at the forefront of each development. We keep this commitment because our members allow us to provide increasingly innovative and forward-thinking financial services while also empowering us to give back to the communities we serve. We will keep growing, but we’ll never forget our roots. After all, we owe our progress and sustained service to the educators who laid the foundation for us.
About Western Oregon University
Western Oregon University, established in Monmouth in 1856, proudly stands as Oregon’s oldest public university. Hosting around 4,000 students, Western embodies a mid-sized, NCAA Division II institution, with approximately 80% of its students hailing from within the state. Notably, its diverse student body comprises individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, veterans, and non-traditional learners. Western stands as the preferred campus in Oregon for those pursuing an enriching education within a nurturing, student-focused environment, characterized by faculty-led instruction. Where YOU belong.
