North Campus welcomed an Educational Federal Credit Union branch to its grounds on Aug. 22 during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Students, faculty and staff can visit the banking center—the credit union’s ninth location but first at a college campus—in the breezeway of building three in Room 3101. It’s sandwiched between the 1000 and 6000 buildings.
“As an EdFed member, I appreciate the convenience of the location, and the service that it will bring not only to the campus but to the local community that surrounds us,” said North Campus Student Government Association President pro-tempore Brundee Chery, who spoke at the event. “It is immeasurable and invaluable.”
The 727 sq. ft. center offers access to financial services and advice, scholarship opportunities and early career prospects. It’s open Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
“Whether you’re applying for a loan or opening a new checking account, if you need assistance setting up your online or mobile banking you’ll be able to do that in the branch,” said Stephen Kalman-Jacoby, EdFed’s senior vice-president of marketing & strategic partnerships.
During the opening, visitors were greeted with a multi-colored balloon arch at the location’s front entrance, a selfie station and a chicken buffet-style meal. North Campus President Fermin Vazquez and EdFed’s CEO Mike DiBenedetto welcomed students and staff.
“Our mission is to empower students and families so that they can achieve their financial dreams,” DiBenedetto said. “This will allow us to provide a much higher level of service to the students here at the North Campus.”
EdFed, established in 1935, was originally called Miami-Dade Teachers Credit Union. It is currently the largest credit union in Miami-Dade county.
Adding the branch at North Campus has been in the works for two years, but early conversations regarding the construction date back to late 2020.
Originally, it was expected to open in the fall of 2024 but due to construction problems and a delay in securing permits, the opening was delayed.
Despite the holdup, EdFed was steadfast in making its footprint at MDC felt. It implemented smaller projects like placing EdFed charge-free ATMs at all eight campuses, deposit-taking ATMs at Kendall and North and an EdFed mobile branch.
The mobile branch, which went into full rotation in early 2024, operates using a mobile service truck. It has traveled to various MDC campuses including Hialeah, Homestead, North and West.
“It is very exciting that we have an EdFed branch here on campus now,” said Alejandro Rivero, who is studying accounting at MDC. “I am looking forward to seeing more of it.”
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