On campus bank bolsters UFCU/TXST

TEXAS STATE UNIVERSITY

connection

REBEKAH PORTER STAFF REPORTER

Sometimes it is best to play hard after working hard, and that’s just what UFCU did at their Grand Opening Event for their new branch and partnership with Texas State University. University Federal Credit Union is a member- owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative that has been a part of the San Marcos and TXST community for the past decade. They celebrated the grand opening of the new TXST branch located on campus at the LBJ student center on Jan. 14. The event included speeches by San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson and UFCU executives and staff commemorating the occasion. There was an official ribbon cutting sponsored by the San Marcos Chamber of Commerce as well as a grand party for attendees, which included UFCU staff, TXST students and faculty, and the general public. Guests enjoyed live music, a huge catering spread with a prime rib cutting table, a 360 spin photo booth and a tour of the new TXST facility.

A partnership was announced in 2024 by UFCU and TXST. UFCU is now the official credit union of Texas State University. The expanded partnership includes the naming rights to the school’s football stadium, now UFCU Stadium.

“With the launch of UFCU’s full-service branch on campus, we are reinforcing our dedication to the financial success of the Texas State community. Our goal is to empower all Bobcats with the financial tools and guidance they need to thrive. Together with Texas State University, we are building a foundation for prosperity, innovation, and success,” said Chris Turnley, UFCU Executive Vice President of Member Experience. The new branch is located at the hub of student life, The LBJ Student Center. The TXST branch is a resource for students, faculty, alumni and the general public, focused on providing financial services, including banking, ATM access, loans, credit cards and online banking. The new branch consists of Brian Garcia who is the UFCU TXST LBJ Branch Manager, as well as a team of TXST students and alumni.

“We’re passionate about education and offer workshops on budgeting, building credit and more. These workshops are led by student campus ambassadors, our business team and UFCU financial experts,” Garcia said. “Whether we’re partnering with campus organizations or hosting our own events, we’re committed to making financial literacy a core part of the campus experience.”

The branch will also offer members in-house financial counseling and Instant-Issue Bobcat Debit Cards. The TXST LBJ Branch is not limited to just students.

“While this branch was designed with students in mind, we’re here to serve the entire Texas State community from students, faculty, staff, alumni and even San Marcos residents. UFCU’s mission is to offer inclusive, member-centered services that empower everyone to reach their financial goals.

“We’re proud to be here and are excited to continue serving and growing with the Texas State community,” Garcia said.

The grand opening event was on the second day of Spring semester. The event included speeches, fine foods, live music and photo opportunities.

“The event was made special by the presence of so many important figures. The San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce participated, with CEO Paige Michel serving as the emcee for the evening. We were also honored to have San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson join us and share a few words. As a Texas State University retiree and alumni, her presence was particularly meaningful and a great reminder of the connection between the university and the city,” Garcia said.

There was a big turnout in the LBJ Grand Ballroom.

“Our UFCU board members, executives and peers showed their support, but what really stood out was the incredible turnout from Texas State itself, our partners, campus departments, student organizations and even students who have participated in our Financial Health Fridays. We were also thrilled to see international students join in the celebration, further underscoring the diversity of the community we’re here to serve,” Garcia said.

One of UFCU’s newest missions is supporting the connection between TXST and the San Marcos community.

“We’d love to see more of the San Marcos community come out to support Texas State athletic events, especially as we head into the spring sports season. Increased fan attendance makes a big difference, and these events are such a great way to bring the community together,” Garcia said. “UFCU is here to serve the San Marcos and Texas State communities. With two locations: the new LBJ Student Center branch and our Thorpe Lane location. We’re ready to meet you wherever it’s most convenient. Whether you’re a student, faculty member, alumnus or San Marcos resident, we’re here to help you along your financial journey, no matter where you are today or where you’re headed.”

One can visit the new TXST LBJ Branch Mondays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and keep up to date on all of UFCU’s events and collaborations with TXST and the San Marcos community on their instagram at @ufcu_tx.