PASADENA, Calif.–Expanding its longstanding relationship with UCLA, Wescom Credit Union has been named the Official Banking Partner of the UCLA Alumni Association.
Wescom already sponsors UCLA Athletics, UCLA Campus Life and Recreation, Rose Bowl Stadium and Pauley Pavilion Presented by Wescom Credit Union.
The credit union said the new designation will include the Wescom Foundation UCLA Alumni Diversity Network Scholarship Program, support of UCLA Alumni Career Programs, and the introduction of two credit cards specially designed for UCLA alumni, current students, and staff.
Wescom said it has been “helping the UCLA community build better financial futures for more than six years by providing high-value, low-cost financial products and services.”
It further noted it offers an on-campus branch as well as online and mobile banking, and the new partnerships will allow more people to “show their Bruin pride.”
“Building better lives is at the core of who Wescom Credit Union is, and as the Official Banking Partner of the UCLA Alumni Association, we are committed to making a difference in the UCLA community,” said Darren Williams, president and CEO of Wescom Credit Union. “With 24 branches throughout Southern California, Wescom has a tremendous opportunity to serve the UCLA alumni community – 60% of whom reside in the region.”
Wescom said the UCLA Alumni Association selected Wescom as its “Official Banking Partner” due in part to the CU’s history with the UCLA community and the strength of its offerings.
Key Components
Key components of Wescom’s sponsorship for 2021-28 include:
- Bruin Edge and Bruin Choice Credit Cards. “The new Bruin Edge and Bruin Choice Visa Credit Cards offered by Wescom are specially designed for UCLA alumni, students, faculty and staff, fans, and supporters to reflect Bruin pride and the Bruin experience. The cards feature a customized UCLA rewards program, which allows cardholders to earn rewards points at featured UCLA and Rose Bowl Stadium merchants including the UCLA Store, Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Credit Union and Rose Bowl Stadium concessions, ASUCLA restaurants on campus, and season or single game tickets through UCLA Athletics,” the credit union said.
Cardholders have the option to redeem points for cash back, gift cards, travel options, merchandise, entertainment, or to be donated to select UCLA non-profit organizations. In addition, the cards offer the benefits of exclusive offers, low introductory rates, and no annual fee.
- Wescom Foundation UCLA Alumni Diversity Network Scholarship Program. Wescom said it “understands that removing financial barriers to higher education is an important step in closing the racial wealth gap and dismantling longstanding inequities that prohibit many from achieving their dreams.”
As part of its commitment to advancing financial wellness for all Bruins, WCU said the Wescom Foundation will provide financial scholarships for qualifying students across several diversity alumni networks, including those representing American Indian, Asian Pacific, Black, Pilipino, LGBTQ+, Latino, Muslim, undocumented, first-generation, veteran, and mixed populations. The Wescom Foundation has allocated a $50,000 impactful grant for 2021.
- UCLA Alumni Career Programs. As part of a $25,000 grant provided by Wescom Credit Union in 2021, students and alumni impacted by the global pandemic were given access to critical career programming including an LGBTQ+ Career Launchpad to help students and alumni understand career fundamentals and how to navigate the intricacies of disclosure in the workplace. Wescom said the Young Alumni Career Launchpad served alumni and students in building their résumés, networking, and interview skills. Wescom’s contribution also supported the Career Coaches series, which serves alumni with different career experiences.