CUNA Management School: Part I
Testimonials

WHAT PAST ATTENDEES SAY

"This program has had an immense impact on me. I found the whole experience worth every minute and every dollar. While there were many challenges, it was awesome to see so many strangers with so many different backgrounds pull together to assist each other to overcome each and every one."
— Jennifer C. Soper, Franklin-Somerset Federal Credit Union

"I will not even try to say I was an expert after my first year, but the chance to attend the classes on asset-liability management was invaluable. The knowledge I gained helped things come together here. The way things work or should work become clear. The everlasting effect was the networking. I have reached out to many of my classmates for different issues and they reach back!"
— Nanci Bowen, Long Reach Employees FCU, WV

"My attendance and participation in the first year of CUNA Management School was a great experience. Having several years of experience in the banking industry prior to joining the credit union movement, my CUNA Management School experience has helped me gain a new appreciation for the financial industry and what it means to 'serve.'"
— Jeffrey L. Hayes, North Star Community Credit Union, IA

"I learned a tremendous amount, and perhaps more importantly, I learned how much there is to learn. Although there is much more information and experience to gain in the next two years, I already feel more confident and prepared for my job as a loan officer at Minnesota Catholic Credit Union."
— Mary Ellen Kaluza, Minnesota Catholic Credit Union, MN

"Exposure to other operational areas of the credit union and the invaluable networking experience this school creates are valuable. You learn just as much, if not more, from your peers as you do from the Instructors. The program gave me a clearer understanding of the "big picture", or rather the whole operational outlook. It has helped me to open my eyes outside my area of expertise. I'm becoming more involved in financial areas of the Credit Union - after two years in the program - the ALM meetings, and forecasts are making sense to me! The experience is wonderful and I would highly recommend it for any employee looking to make a career in the Credit Union industry."
  — Tracy Gates, Operations (formerly HR Director), First American Credit Union, WI

"The most valuable tool I got from attending this program is the networking with other credit unions. The variety of credit unions that attend make this class a success. It is interesting to go around and hear how others do things. From a one man shop to a multi- million dollar credit union and all those in between. Not only the discussions in class on different topics but the discussions that occur on breaks, during dinner, etc are invaluable! Doing my project was long but I learned so much from it about my credit union. It helps to understand why things happen and how things affect other things. From financial info to HR info. It helps put it all in perspective. I think it is a good experience for anyone in management to attend. This is the first year we have sent someone from our credit union and we plan on sending more."
  — Joannie Bruns, VP of Member Service, Linn Area Credit Union, IA

"I believe the most valuable experience I learned from CMS was the networking with all the other credit union employees. Learning what and how they do things and how I might be able to use that in my own Credit Union. I really think it has opened more horizons or I am looking at everything differently now."
   — Patty Kleinsasser, Manager, Dakota Catholic Federal Credit Union, SD

"I believe that it forces you to think more strategically and not focus so much on what you do. It makes you see what effect you have on others, both other employees and members. The projects taught me a great deal about my credit union and about myself."
  — Michele Myrick, CPA, Executive Director of Finance, E&A Credit Union, MI

"CUNA does a very good job. Interaction with fellow students in this concentrated environment lends to the experience. The two projects are important components. I would recommend this school to employees aspiring to reach the vice-president and president level. I'm a consistent proponent of continuing education. I think CUNA does a very good job of keeping training opportunities in front of us. Thanks."
   — Nick Meyer, President, Minnesota Valley FCU, MN

"I most enjoyed the opportunity to talk with people from other credit unions and hear about their experiences and problems. I come from a fairly large credit union but it was so inspiring to see and hear those from the smaller 'one man shops'."
  — Constance M. Percifield, Branch Manager, Indiana University Employees Federal Credit Union, IN

"The ropes challenge course was an awesome way for us to begin the week. I enjoyed pushing it to the limit. The technical writing class on the last day was the best. The classroom facilities are excellent. The program places things in perspective for me. I appreciate my role at the CU. I am working on our annual planning session. There is a large amount of data gathering that I am completing for our project that we will be able to use in our planning session. I am taking time to work on building a stronger team. CMS has taught me how important it is to build and prepare a team to handle a variety of tasks. I am more comfortable speaking in support team meetings due to the increased confidence gained by participating in CMS classes and events. I would recommend the program. I was initially skeptical that I would really benefit by spending two weeks away from work, family, and friends. The program is very rewarding. The opportunities to peer network are excellent. I have made some life long friends."
   — Shay Santos, AVP Finance, Dane County Credit Union, WI

"I found that meeting the contacts has been one of the most important attributes.The ALM session was the most beneficial on a daily basis to consider the risks of interest rates. We are starting a program at my CU to get a management training program up and running. CMS would play a huge role in the program. I have recommended it to a number of other CU employees."
   — Tim Ingalls, Loan Supervisor, Sioux Empire Federal Credit Union, SD

"I find myself more organized. Having to still meet the demands of my job and completing my first year project has forced me to be very consicious of how I spend my time. In researching the history of my credit union, I am more aware of how my time here is just a part of the total history of my credit union. Also, we tend to focus only on our jobs and not look at the credit union as a whole. Many of the classes had nothing to do with my day-to-day tasks yet allow me to understand why some decisions are made. In working on my project I have a much greater understanding of areas out of my job area."
   — Bob Boucher, Vice President of Lending, Sikorsky Financial Credit Union

"After only one year of the program, I am already seeing the benefits of CUNA Mangement School. The topics which the instructors present in Madison provide an overview of all areas of a credit union and are applicable regardless of your position within your credit union. The networking contacts which I made are already not only a valuable resource to me as I implement new products and services within my credit union, some are friendships which I know will follow me throughout my career. Finally, the first year project A Historical Perspective, although time consuming, has given me a great deal of knowledge about my credit union, our history, where we've been, and where we're headed for the future. A wonderful experience thus far...I'm anxious to see what the next two years will bring!"
— Heather Luciani, Class of 2006

"CMS is an experience like no other in the credit union movement. The combination of classes taught by some of the industry's leaders plus living in the dorms with so many of your peers is unparalleled. During the classes you learn many management theories. In talking to your peers you learn what has worked for them. Never again will I have the opportunity to so closely interact over such a long period as I did at CMS. I have experienced great professional growth since CMS. I truly believe you cannot be a leader in the credit union movement unless you have completed this school."
— Bob Boucher, Director of Lending, Sikorsky Financial Credit Union

"CUNA Management School has provided an education not only through its courses and instructors, but through the other CMS participants in the program. "Networking" does not even begin to describe the invaluable sharing of information that I enjoy with my CMS colleagues. The input I gather comes from CU employees with diverse backgrounds and experiences. As a $55M CU, we could not ask for a better window into the business developments taking place across the country and the world."
— Geoff Martin, Service Quality Manger, Cumberland County Teachers FCU

"One of the most beneficial aspects of CUNA Mangement School is the ability to network with other credit union professionals from around the country. You are able to share ideas, techniques, and methods and you learn a lot by listening to experiences of other credit union professionals."
— Scott Hughes, Marketing Director, FME Federal Credit Union

"The CUNA Management Program has increased my overall knowledge of the credit union movement, my awareness of community involvement, as well as being able to push myself both physically and mentally in numerous assignments. The networking and friendships that I have made at CMS have been beneficial to me both professionally and socially as I will be in contact with my classmates for the years to come. After presenting my 1st year project to my Board of Directors and having them see our strong points and some of our weaker ones (that they might have been unaware of) led to my new position as Supervisor of Finance & Development."
— Adam H. Sherman, Supervisor of Finance & Development, Brotherhood Credit Union

"I would say that CUNA Management School is one of the most challenging and rewarding professional educational experiences in which I have participated. The commitment of time over a three year period is not for the faint of heart! The time spent in each of teh two wekk residential sessions over three years is challenging, enlightening, and worthwhile. The 2nd and 3rd year projects, while somewhat daunting, are very effective at presenting the participant with opportunities to apply the concepts and training gained from each class time. The meaningful service project our class participated in last year (home repairs for local citizens) was the highlight of my CUNA Management School experience thus far. It will forever leave me with the humble reminder that the credit union philosophy of "Not for profit, not for charity, but for service" is still alive and still important today."
— Anita S. Hart, Vice President, Consumer Loan Servicing, HarborOne Credit Union

"CUNA Mangement School gave me so much information to take back to my credit union and to help me grow. But, the most important thing to me was the definition I learned of what teamwork and being a part of a team really means. I wish everyone could attend CMS; it teaches you so much not just professionally, but on a personal level also. I made so many friend from all over and will have CU contacts that I know I can count on. The two weeks you spend with these people are the best two weeks of any schooling you will every have. It is hard to put my thoughts about the school into a few sentences, there is so much good to say and if you are given the ability to go to CMS you should go."
— April Jones, Missouri Valley Federal Credit Union

"As a student at CMS, I have found it provides me with the opportunity to better understand and serve my Credit Unions! CUNA Management School enlightens its students to all Credit Union functions to create an opportunity for Credit Union Employees to broaden their Credit Union understanding. Creates a place where the future leaders of the Credit Union movement develop their skills, proficiencies, and network!"
—Byce Jackson

"Thanks for the chance to tell how CUNA Managment School has effected me. I believed at first that it was just another school and what did I need with that. CUNA has changed my life, made me see how important my job and the new friends that I made while there mean to me. I can't wait to go back in July '05 and am really trying to finish my project so I can."
—Marny Tipple, Assistant Manager, Columbia Greene FCU

"I thought CUNA Management School was a great experience. The breadth of topics covered in the three years gave me a thorough understanding of credit union management from all perspectives. When you come from a larger credit union, you tend to be more focused on a specific area like lending or finance in your everyday jobs, so the CMS experience gives you a good look at the big picture. To me, that was the biggest payoff. Now, I can view my own specific area in the broader context of the credit union as a whole. That makes me a better manager. Since attending CMS I have been a better contributer to the Senior Management Team. The credit union wins and so do I. There is no doubt that my CMS experience helped my credit union career. I was promoted to Vice President of Administration last year and on January 1, 2005 I will have full responsibility for marketing as well. I can't say enough about the CMS benefits. Thanks to all of you for your part in teaching me to be a better credit union leader."
—Diane A. Baker, Vice President/Administration, NMTWCU

"I think that the program has been of most benefit to me by allowing me to meet credit union professionals from all over the country. These people have given me countless hours of assistance on various issues that have faced our credit union. I also greatly appreciated the learning experience in general. The projects forced me to take a really good look at our credit union and where we want to be as an organization. Without the CUNA Management School we would have never done the in depth research that I was required to do."
—David Janak, VP of Lending, Highmark FCU

"I found the program to be exceptional. The classes were pertinent, with knowledgeable and interesting teachers. They taught a range of topics that provided both breadth and depth to my understanding of credit union operations. Even the classes that didn't appeal to me at the time have had an effect on me. As we all deal with the day-to-day tasks in our jobs it is common for our focus to narrow. The program jogged that focus wider for me than it has ever been. The truly incomparable aspect of the Management School experience, though, was the interaction between the class members. This was unique of all my training over the years. The mix of backgrounds, points of view, and personalities energized me in my job, and carried over into my personal life, too. To have so many people committed to helping their members achieve their financial dreams through credit unions is awesome and inspiring."
—Regina English, Controller, Baltimore County Employees Federal Credit Union

For more program content information or to request a brochure call 800-356-9655, ext. 4249, or email elearning@cuna.coop. For registration questions, call 800-356-9655, ext.4400 or e-mail reginfo@cuna.coop.