Marist University and HVCU Launch Marist Red Fox Financial
Marist University and Hudson Valley Credit Union (HVCU) have launched Marist Red Fox Financial, a student-powered credit union that combines experiential learning with valuable financial services for the Marist community. This initiative provides students with hands-on experience in Financial Management, Marketing, Human Resources, and Operations, while offering workshops, events, and seminars hosted by HVCU.
Staffed by student “Relationship Advisors,” the credit union—located on the first floor of Marist University’s Dyson Center—operates as a student-powered organization. Many students working at the branch are members of the University’s Red Fox Financial Club and employees of HVCU. They will gain valuable hands-on experience by opening accounts, facilitating transactions through a cashless model, and collaborating with HVCU leaders on real-world financial projects, all while promoting financial literacy and leadership within the Marist community.
“This partnership with Hudson Valley Credit Union is a testament to the power of experiential education,” said Dr. William Lamb, Dean of Marist’s School of Management. “Marist Red Fox Financial is more than just a credit union—it is a student-led enterprise that fosters leadership, decision-making, and financial literacy. It offers our students a unique chance to apply their business and financial acumen in a hands-on environment while directly impacting the financial well-being of our campus community.”
HVCU will oversee banking operations, while the club will assist in managing the branch's day-to-day activities.
“Hudson Valley Credit Union is very proud to be part of the exciting things happening at Marist University,” said Rick Lionhood, HVCU’s Executive Vice President and Chief Banking Officer. “Our unique and innovative partnership to create Marist Red Fox Financial offers students valuable real-life financial services experience as well as skills to benefit them in their future careers. We look forward to serving the entire Marist community at the new Dyson Center location.”
Marist Red Fox Financial is open to all Marist University students, staff, faculty, and alumni, offering a wide range of financial services. These include savings, checking, and money market accounts, as well as other account options. Additionally, loan and credit services, along with digital banking solutions, are available.
This credit union is the latest in unique experiential learning opportunities at Marist University.
About Marist University
Founded in 1929, Marist University is a comprehensive, independent four-year institution that blends the liberal arts with pre-professional studies and emphasizes experiential learning to enrich classroom instruction. With campuses in Poughkeepsie, New York, and Florence, Italy, as well as more than 70 programs offering a variety of international study options, the University is a portal to the world and is devoted to nurturing a welcoming, inclusive community. Through six schools offering nearly 50 majors, Marist fosters the intellectual growth and well-being of its more than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The University encourages students to explore beyond traditional academic boundaries, pursuing coursework and personal experiences that provide valuable occupational expertise and reflect their individual passions. Marist has been recognized as a top institution in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, The Wall Street Journal, The Princeton Review, and others.