Featured Donor: Spirit of Alaska Federal Credit Union

Established in 1960, Spirit of Alaska Federal Credit Union is the largest locally owned and operated credit union in Fairbanks. In the beginning, it was a small organization located in the Constitution Hall’s Viking Room at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. When it opened, SOA had $32, stored in a metal cash box. Anthony Rizk, 1997 SOM MBA alum and currently SOA president and CEO, provided some insight into the organization and its connection to UAF.

Anthony reported that SOA has had fantastic experiences with UAF graduates, and over 16% of SOA staff are UAF alumni. SOM 2020 graduate, Ben Udden, recently accepted a position as vice president of Core Financial Systems. UAF faculty and staff have served on SOA’s board of directors over the years. The synergetic and long-term partnership with UAF is a boasting point for SOA.

Spirit of Alaska was well positioned to adapt to the COVID disruption. SOA responded with proactive, preventative measures and offered several options for members to access their accounts from anywhere. Its customer experience has remained top notch, and the majority of changes have related to how members complete transactions. The steady number of transactions during the initial pandemic outbreak was attributed to preparedness. Members who typically visit the physical lobbies were able to use the drive-up windows and online banking for uninterrupted service.

SOA is committed to providing members with state-of-the-art technology, and customers are about to get an upgrade with an enhanced online banking and mobile platform launching in early November 2020. This new platform will be a refreshing move to a more user friendly and efficient experience for its members.

Spirit of Alaska has been an ardent supporter of SOM over the years, supporting:

• Student Investment Fund

 

• Professionally Polished Program, a partnership with Frank’s Menswear providing clothing and style coaching to students

 

• UAF Business Leader of the Year

 

• SOA FCU scholarships annually awarding $10,000 to four students

 

• Plans for a cutting-edge conference room and interactive learning center

As a member of the SOM Business Advisory Council, and as an MBA graduate of SOM, Anthony has a strong affinity for UAF. “I am certain that I wouldn’t be where I am today if I hadn’t made the decision to earn my MBA from UAF SOM,” says Anthony. “My time in the MBA program were the most beneficial to me from a career growth standpoint and learning perspective.”