Affinity Plus FCU is Making Banking on Campus a Bit Easier

PHOTO - Kellie Jorgenson, Affinity Plus Winona branch manager, tours Kryzsko Commons on the Winona State University campus with Joe Reed, Student Union director, to see one of the on-campus locations new Affinity Plus ATMs will be located. Winona State has selected Affinity Plus as the provider for on-campus ATMs. Additional ATMs will be located at the Integrated Wellness Center and in Lourdes Hall on Winona State’s west campus. 

ST. PAUL, Minn. (Aug. 2, 2017) – Winona State University has selected Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union to provide on-campus ATMs for students, staff, visitors and others.

Charlotte Roraff, Affinity Plus market manager for southeastern Minnesota, said the ATMs will be in three Winona State locations:

• in Kryzsko Commons, the campus’ student center;

• at the Integrated Wellness Center;

• and in Lourdes Hall on Winona State’s west campus.

All three ATMs will allow cash withdrawals, transfers and balance inquiries. In addition, the Kryzsko Commons ATM will be deposit-taking. The ATMs will be available during regular business hours in their respective locations, and are available for non-member use, as well.

Patricia Rogers, Winona State provost and vice-president of academic affairs, said students appreciate the convenience of on-campus ATM services. “We’re pleased to welcome Affinity Plus as our new campus partner."

UNDERSTANDING NEEDS OF STUDENTS, STAFF

Roraff, a Winona State alum, said she’s proud of the long-term partnership Affinity Plus and Winona State have cultivated – both on campus and at the community branch at 120 E. 2nd St.

The arrival of on-campus ATMs might seem a simple improvement, Roraff said, but they represent Affinity Plus’ greater understanding of what on-campus members want and need.

“Winona State serves over 8,000 students trying to balance classes, clubs and possibly even jobs. Affinity Plus offering a convenient way for them to access financial services is one way Affinity Plus can make an impact on students as we help build their financial futures,” she said.

The new ATMs also are part of Affinity Plus’ expanding approach statewide, she said. The goal is to  create the best-possible experience for members, however they wish to work with their credit union.

“It fits so well with our ability to help members digitally and create an experience based on when they want to be helped, regardless of our community branch hours,” Roraff said.

SERVING UNIVERSITIES STATEWIDE

Dave Larson, Affinity Plus president/CEO, said the credit union has a strong, continuing presence at several Minnesota state universities, including Winona State.

Larson noted it’s not just a business decision, but part of the credit union’s charter, to serve students, alumni, faculty, staff and volunteers. On campus that work takes many forms, including:

• products and services tailored to specific needs;

• partnerships with instructors, departments and other campus groups;

• student scholarships;

• participation in community and civic events;

• athletic sponsorships.

At Winona State, Affinity Plus staff and financial educators have partnered with the Krueger Library and College of Business for “Money Smart Week.” They also collaborate regularly with Winona State professors to share tips with their freshmen students about budgeting, and with graduates who need advice for life after college.

Across Minnesota, Affinity Plus has renewed contracts with Bemidji State University and Minnesota State University – Moorhead for campus branch locations. This summer, Affinity Plus is renovating its branch on St. Cloud State University to create the first of several “next-generation” branches the credit union will debut in the coming months and years.

In 2016, Affinity Plus entered a three-year contract as a sponsor of Gophers Athletics at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. Last year it also became a sponsor of St. Cloud State University Huskies.

“All this, and so much more, demonstrates our deep commitment to serving and supporting our members while they’re on campus and throughout their lives,” Larson said.

ABOUT AFFINITY PLUS

Affinity Plus Federal Credit Union is a not-for-profit, financial cooperative that puts people first above profits. Members of Affinity Plus receive maximum value through competitive rates, minimal fees, and unique, member-centric products and programs. Established in 1930 and based in St. Paul, Minn., Affinity Plus has 28 branches throughout the state and is owned by more than 185,000 members. Affinity Plus has over $1.9 billion in assets and $3.5 billion in assets under management. Additional information is available at affinityplus.org or by calling (800) 322-7228.