In 2021, UC Davis announced a 10-year naming rights partnership with University Credit Union (UCU), a not-for-profit financial cooperative, marking an invaluable step towards accessible banking on campus.

With a core mission of giving the university community a financial advantage, UCU offers an unparalleled suite of financial tools, one-on-one support, and educational resources on campus and beyond. UCU also offers exclusive membership benefits, accompanied by day-to-day money essentials: checking, savings, credit cards, auto loans, home loans, investment services, business banking, and more. UCU has pledged over $4.8 million in cash over its 10-year term, all of which is dedicated to campus in support of student programs.

In addition to offering banking products, UCU also focuses on delivering financial confidence through personalized guidance and support, driving a stronger, more confident UC Davis community.

One UC Davis employee shares how attending a UCU financial wellness session has helped them prevail over financial hardship.

“I was one check away from possibly being homeless.”

This particular example truly highlights how financial strain can often hit people unexpectedly, through no fault of their own.

“I was out of cash and credit, living paycheck to paycheck, and could not pay my next month’s rent or bills. My daughter had lost her job the year before, and I went from paying half of the household expenses to 100% overnight. My credit cards were over the limits with interest, and I could only pay the minimum amounts.”

Notably, it was a UCU-hosted financial wellness webinar in April 2024 that empowered the employee to fight back and reclaim financial control.

“I attended the “Rebuilding After a Financial Crisis” webinar, where they discussed consolidation loans. I had tried everything that was discussed, and the consolidation loan was my last hope. I immediately opened a savings account with $25 and applied for the consolidation loan. I looked bad on paper, but they didn’t know my whole story and what I had come through. I am a fighter; I don’t give up.”

Following personalized support with a UCU financial, within 20 days of attending the webinar, the employee was granted the consolidation loan that turned everything around for them.

“I was able to get back on my feet and breathe again. I had been living under so much financial stress that my health was suffering for it.”

Financial stress is a major source of anxiety and worry for many, with over half of U.S workers living paycheck to paycheck* and 1 in 3 adults not able to cover a $400 emergency expense**.  UCU’s personalized financial support services are designed to boost financial literacy and build confidence, supporting mental health and well-being across the campus community.

“I still cover 100% of our household expenses, but I can take a vacation this year. I have not been able to do that for several years. My health has improved and my outlook on life has improved.”

Though this story is unique, it is not the exception.

“UCU helped me out of a desperate situation and set me on a course to a brighter and better future. I would not have made it this past year without their help. I am forever grateful.”

UCU demonstrated exactly what it sets out to do: meet people where they are and help them build a future, step by step. What is more, UCU doesn’t just set out to empower people to rebuild, they make certain that people have access to every resource necessary to keep going.

You can find information on all of University Credit Union’s products and services on the UCU website. University Credit Union is federally insured by the NCUA.

*Blanchet, T., Saez, E., & Zucman, G. “Who Benefits from Income and Wealth Growth in the United States?” Realtime Inequality. Accessed February 26, 2025.
**Federal Reserve Report on the Economic Well-Being of U.S. Households