Southern Illinois University Credit Union: A Legacy of Service and Community Impact

Southern Illinois University (SIU) has a rich history, and its credit union is an integral part of that story, reflecting the university's commitment to its students, faculty, staff, and the broader community. The SIU Credit Union stands as a testament to the power of cooperative finance and the enduring value of community support.

A History Rooted in Service

For more than 80 years, the SIU Credit Union (SCU) has served its members as a not-for-profit financial cooperative, providing banking services and competitive interest rates. The credit union's foundation is built upon the principles of member ownership and democratic governance. Its Board of Directors consists of volunteer members who provide strategic direction, driven by the needs of the membership. This structure ensures that the credit union remains focused on serving its members' best interests.

The Credit Union Difference

Credit unions, in general, operate with a different philosophy than traditional banks. They typically pay more interest on savings accounts, charge lower rates on loans, and help members avoid many of the fees that banks often impose on their customers. This difference stems from the fact that credit unions are owned by their members, not by shareholders seeking to maximize profits.

Membership and Accessibility

The SIU Credit Union extends its services to a wide range of individuals connected to the university and surrounding communities. University employees and their spouses can become members by presenting a Certificate of Appointment or university ID and paying the appropriate fee. Once employees or members of their families join the credit union by making the minimum deposit to a Membership Share account of $25, they are assured lifetime membership, even though no longer affiliated with SIUC, as long as the minimum deposit remains in the Membership Share account.

The SIU Credit Union provides a comprehensive suite of financial services, including:

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Savings accounts
Checking accounts
Certificates of deposit
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs)
Loans for various purposes
Direct deposit
Payroll deduction
VISA credit cards
Online banking
Access to a network of ATMs, including four local ATMs and 59,000 completely free ATMs nationwide.

Deposits are insured up to $100,000 by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund (NCUSIF), providing members with peace of mind.

Supporting Education and Recreation

The SIU Credit Union's commitment extends beyond financial services to supporting education and recreation within the university community. University employees and spouses can access the Student Recreation Center and participate in Intramural-Recreational Sports programs upon presentation of a Certificate of Appointment or university ID and payment of the appropriate fee.

The Student Recreation Center offers a wide range of facilities and programs, including:

An Olympic-size swimming pool
Two indoor tracks
Areas for basketball, volleyball, racquetball, handball, squash, weightlifting, martial arts, and aerobics
Programs for individuals with disabilities
Over 180 fitness stations

Outdoor facilities include tennis courts at three campus locations, handball/racquetball courts, and 100 acres of playing fields.

The Intramural-Recreational Sports program provides a diversified program of competitive and non-competitive activities for students and employees throughout the year, including sport instruction, over 50 fitness classes each semester, Parent's Night In, and youth programs. The Adventure Resource Center provides information and educational clinics on outdoor-related topics, and camping, hiking, and fishing equipment is available for rent.

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Community Impact and the Scott Credit Union Community Foundation

SCU has a long tradition of supporting the communities we serve in the Chicago, Illinois and St. Louis, Missouri metro areas. The Scott Credit Union Community Foundation was established in 2018 to expand our reach and amplify community support. The SIU Credit Union recognizes its responsibility to support the communities it serves. Together, credit union members and employees can have a positive impact on our community’s financial wellness. At SCU, we're with you for every stage of your financial journey.

A primary focus of the Scott Credit Union Community Foundation is to support initiatives at local schools. The With You Grants Program was created in 2020, giving schools the opportunity to apply for funding to complete projects. Since 2020, the Foundation has allocated over $507,000 to a variety of school projects. In 2025, the SCU Community Foundation allocated $150,000 for the With You Grants Program. Scott Credit Union staff and members also support local charities, sponsor a variety of community sports teams, and promote scholastic endeavors within the 32 counties we serve.

Scott Credit Union’s Volunteer Incentive Program (VIP) is a unique program that rewards staff members for their volunteer hours in the community. At SCU, community service brings us together. community. It shows the kindness, teamwork and willingness to give back. SCU has contributed almost $3.7 million and encouraged employee volunteerism for a variety of local civic efforts and financial education. If your group, organization, or event needs support, please contact the Scott Credit Union Community Relations team to submit a request at least four weeks prior to your event. We look forward to supporting the causes you value, building up our community together.

Education is a top priority for Scott Credit Union. Explore SCU’s free programs for students in Kindergarten through 4th grade. Stop by your local SCU branch anytime with your child(ren) to learn more about education and financial programs that can help them learn about making smart money choices. MoneyWise was originally created through a partnership with the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois to help Daisy and Brownie troops earn badges.

Touch of Nature Trailhead Project

The SIU Credit Union's dedication to the community is further exemplified by its support for initiatives like the Touch of Nature Environmental Center's trailhead project. This project enhances access to the center and promotes outdoor recreation for students, faculty, and community members.

Mike Lantrip, CEO of SIU Credit Union, emphasized the importance of the trailhead in bringing more people into the community. Chancellor Austin Lane also acknowledged that None of this would be possible without support from partners like SIU Credit Union. The trailhead opens during a period of significant growth at SIU. It is one of several ongoing and planned construction projects, including the Tedrick Welcome Center, the demolition of buildings on old Greek Row, and proposed upgrades to student housing. These developments align with the Imagine SIU 2030 fundraising campaign, which has raised nearly $409 million toward its $500 million goal.

SIU's Enduring Legacy

Southern Illinois University Carbondale, the foundation upon which the SIU Credit Union was built, has a rich and storied history. Chartered in 1869, it stands as the oldest and flagship campus of the Southern Illinois University system.

From Normal School to Comprehensive University

Originally founded as Southern Illinois Normal College, the university's primary mission was to train teachers. Over time, it evolved into a comprehensive university offering programs in a wide array of disciplines. In 1943, SIU was granted limited university status, allowing it to offer graduate degrees, and in 1947, the Illinois General Assembly officially adopted the name Southern Illinois University.

Campus Development and Architecture

The SIU campus has undergone significant development since its establishment. The university's first building was completed in 1874. Major additions were built during the 1960-70s and the 2000-10s. The age of the university is reflected in the various architectural styles on display, including examples of Victorian and Brutalist designs.

Key Campus Landmarks

Pulliam Hall: One of the more recognizable buildings on campus is Pulliam Hall, the home of the School of Education and the location of SIU's iconic clock tower.
Faner Hall: The College of Liberal Arts primarily occupies Faner Hall, whose design and size have made it a controversial symbol of the campus.
Morris Library: Morris Library is the main library for the Southern Illinois University Carbondale campus. The library holds over five million volumes, 63,000 current periodicals and serials, and over 3.6 million microform units.

Natural Beauty

SIU's campus has been recognized for its natural beauty. The most striking natural feature of the university is Campus Lake, formerly Thompson Lake, which is a 40-acre spring lake at the southwest end of the campus. At the center of the campus is Thompson Woods, an area of natural woodlands crisscrossed by walking paths. The Dorothy Morris Garden, Kumakura Garden, and Sculpture Garden are a collection of small gardens behind Faner hall.

Shaping Leaders and Fostering Success

SIU has a long tradition of producing accomplished graduates who go on to make significant contributions in their respective fields.

Notable Alumni

Colonel Niki J. Lindhorst: Director of Operations, Space Training and Readiness Command (STARCOM) at Peterson Space Force Base.
Jeff Lawber: Award-winning product designer and founder of The Office of Design and Development.
Terrence Roberts: Member of the Little Rock Nine and CEO of Terrence Roberts Consulting.
Minnijean Brown Trickey: Member of the Little Rock Nine.
Thelma Mothershed-Wair: Member of the Little Rock Nine.

Supporting Future Generations

SIU is committed to supporting future generations of students through scholarships and other forms of financial aid. In the most recent fiscal year, a record 2,111 SIU students received SIU Foundation scholarships totaling more than $5.6 million.

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