BOISE, Idaho–Credit unions in the Pacific Northwest have joined to establish Legacy of Life & Learning Scholarships in memory of Kathy Thomson, the former president and CEO of the Idaho Credit Union League.
The Northwest Credit Union Association announced the scholarships at an event honoring Thomson.
“For more than four decades, Thomson dedicated her career to the ICUL, starting as a receptionist and learning virtually every facet of credit union movement leadership before eventually becoming president and CEO,” said the NWCUA. “During her 43 years of service to the ICUL, she earned such prestigious honors and designations as Credit Union Development Educator, Certified League Executive, and director on the board of the Credit Union House in Washington, D.C.
Thomson retired in early 2017 after helping to guide the ICUL’s management agreement with the Northwest Credit Union Association. She passed away in January 2018.
According to the NWCUA, in her memory, a group of generous sponsors established Legacy of Life & Learning Scholarships for Idaho credit union professionals.
“I hope that these scholarships will ignite the same passion she felt and that these scholarships will be a stepping stone for the credit union employees, managers, and league presidents of the future,” said Lynn Thomson, Kathy Thomson’s husband.
Two full scholarships are available to employees of Idaho credit unions for each of the following programs:
- 2019-2011 Western CUNA Management School
- 2019 DE Certification
- 2019 Emerging Leaders Program.
- 2019 NWCUA Council Power User Membership
- 2018 Leveraging the CU Difference Workshop
Applications are being through Sept. 28, 2018. The 10 recipients will be notified Oct. 31.
The Donor List
Donors making the Kathy Thomson Legacy of Life & Learning Scholarships possible include:
- American Association of Credit Union Leagues
- CUNA Mutual Group
- Idaho Credit Union League
- Montana’s Credit Unions
- National Credit Union Foundation
- Northwest Credit Union Association
- Northwest Credit Union Foundation
- Western CUNA Management School
“While no words will ever fully describe Kathy’s impact on the credit union movement, the Legacy of Life & Learning scholarships memorialize her leadership in a manner celebrating her greatest passion—the development of future industry leaders,” said Troy Stang, president and CEO, NWCUA. “With the contributions of these generous donors, Idaho credit union employees can benefit and further commit their lives and careers to the credit union movement.”