Experiential Learning Takes on a New Form at Red Fox Financial
The Hudson Valley Credit Union has opened up a branch within Marist University's Dyson Center. Photo by William Haydon '25
Red Fox Financial, a student-powered credit union in partnership with the Hudson Valley Credit Union, opened for business in the Dyson Center on Feb. 25.
Located on the first floor of the Dyson Center, Red Fox Financial is the latest in Marist University’s experiential learning opportunities, following the launch of Saxby’s last fall. The branch is operated by student “relationship advisors” and headed by five student chairs, all of whom work directly with subject matter experts from the Hudson Valley Credit Union.
“Students are learning from real life experience,” said Jackson Willis ‘25, co-founder, relationship advisor and president of the branch. “They’re working directly with people from [HVCU] in their respective department and they get to see what they do to manage a branch and operate a credit union. And then students get to work on those same exact projects.”
Dr. Will Lamb, dean of the School of Management, believes that experiential learning programs like the credit union benefit students by connecting theories and knowledge learned in the classroom to real-world situations.
“They can build their confidence, learn about an industry and work with people in a work context. I think this all helps them to prepare for their careers and to make the strongest possible case when they apply for jobs and internships,” said Lamb.
He had been a continual supporter of Red Fox Financial since its conception. On opening day, Lamb was the first to sit down with an RFF relationship advisor and open an account.
Red Fox Financial will not only help student employees gain valuable career experience but will also benefit the entire campus community through its services. The wide range of financial services offered includes opening savings, checking and money market accounts, along with other account options. Additionally, loan and credit services, as well as digital banking solutions, will soon be available.
Layla Keen '25, co-founder and financial literacy chair for RFF, also hopes to promote important financial decision-making skills to students in addition to the services provided.
“We really think we can make a difference in making sure that [students] know how to manage their finances and are able to make financially literate decisions when they leave here,” said Keen.
Hudson Valley Credit Union shares these values, making them the perfect partnership.
“There’s a lot of great synergy between Marist and Hudson Valley and we’re both passionate about the same things: financial literacy and bringing that financial education onto the campus to help [students] pave the path to their own financial independence,” said Tina Ludwig, head of emerging channels at HVCU.
Hudson Valley Credit Union also benefits from the partnership with Red Fox Financial, contributing to overall growth. Outside of the credit union lies a new Interactive Teller Machine (ITM).
“This is unique for Hudson Valley. This is our first cashless branch. So we are leveraging ITM technology, which allows students, faculty and any visitors to not only do cash withdrawals but make deposits right within the machine,” said Ludwig.
“Later this fall, we will activate the interactive component of the machine, which means there will be a teller feature. So if someone’s using the ITM and they need assistance, they can actually call into a teller and someone will be able to interact and conduct their transaction.”
Red Fox Financial is in the soft-opening stages with a plan to be fully operational by the fall semester. Still, there is excitement about all the opportunities that the credit union will provide for workers and community members alike. Keen hopes to make a lasting impact.
“Once a member, always a member at Red Fox Financial… [students] will be able to use this membership for the rest of their life.”