WKU receives $500,000 gift from Abound Credit Union

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – On Thursday, Ray Springsteen, president and CEO of Abound Credit Union, announced a $500,000 gift to support Western Kentucky University’s Center for Financial Success.

The center, housed in the Gordon Ford College of Business, will now be known as the WKU Center for Financial Success sponsored by Abound Credit Union, according to WKU.

The university says a $500,000 gift will support the expansion of the center’s programming, including the financial coaching program and the annual WKU Personal Finance Summer Camp.

WKU President Timothy C. Caboni said the sponsorship allows the center to expand its outreach and provide even more critical financial services to WKU students, faculty, staff, alumni and the broader community.

“This partnership equips our students with valuable, hands-on experience—providing them with opportunities to fully immerse themselves in the world of financial coaching and gain real-world skills while earning their degrees,” Caboni said. “When our Hilltoppers put classroom knowledge into action during their collegiate journey, it’s a win-win for them, for their future employers and for the communities they go on to serve.”

“Our commitment to WKU is action oriented,” Springsteen said. “We listen to where the needs are and connect the dots to make it happen. The passionate teaching happening inside this Center is exactly what we’re doing in our 20 branches throughout the state. It’s exactly what hundreds of Abound Team Members are doing inside classrooms daily. Supporting that same action on the Hill is an honor.”

“Our expansive partnership with WKU is deeply important to the Board of Directors and everyone at Abound,” said Wanda Parker, chair of the Abound Credit Union Board of Directors. “Not only does purple go well with red, Abound and WKU share several significant community commitments such as contributing to the economic well-being of Kentuckians and developing empowered, informed, and responsible learners.”

“This partnership between the Center for Financial Success and Abound Credit Union extends far beyond the classroom. It creates a ripple effect of financial confidence and well-being throughout our community,” said Dr. Evelyn Thrasher, dean of the Gordon Ford College of Business. “Our student Financial Coaches are not only preparing for their own careers, they are also equipping fellow students and families with the tools to make informed financial decisions. Their impact strengthens communities today and helps build a more financially resilient region for the future.”

For Emir Avdagic, a current student who serves as outreach coordinator and a financial coach in the Center, working at the center has transformed him personally, academically and professionally.

“The experience of guiding students to reach their financial goals—and seeing them succeed—reminds me every day why this work matters,” Avdagic said. “Thanks to Abound Credit Union, we can empower even more students to build confidence and take control of their financial future.”

“Seeing the Center for Financial Success grow from one volunteer to a team reaching thousands is incredible,” said Zach Jones, director of the center. “Thanks to Abound Credit Union, we can continue our mission to empower students and the community with the financial tools they need to succeed.”

Amanda Trabue, vice president for philanthropy & alumni engagement, said that while this is not the first gift Abound Credit Union has made to WKU, it is the largest to date.

“For our students, your gift provides the means for innovation while they are learning and the means for inspiration as they set out on their own careers,” Trabue said. “For our faculty and staff, your gift provides resources to make their dreams a reality—because inspiring the next generation of financial services professionals requires the right tools.”

For more information, please contact WKU Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement at philanthropy@wku.edu.