BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Three credit unions are celebrating milestone anniversaries in 2026, marking decades of growth from small member-owned cooperatives into larger financial institutions while highlighting their continued focus on member service and community involvement.
AmFirst Credit Union in Alabama is celebrating its 90th anniversary, Ascend Federal Credit Union in Tennessee is marking its 75th anniversary, and DuPage Credit Union in Illinois is commemorating 70 years of service.
AmFirst Celebrates 90 years
According to AmFirst, the Birmingham-based credit union was founded in 1936 as Iron and Steel Workers Credit Union by 19 employees of United States Steel Corp., who pooled $1,500 to serve 115 members. Operating out of the company’s Ensley Works facility, the credit union initially offered share accounts and co-signed loans while storing cash in a cigar box.
AmFirst said it has since expanded to 22 branches, approximately 200,000 members and more than $2 billion in assets, making it one of Alabama’s largest credit unions.
The credit union has spent the year commemorating the anniversary with member appreciation events, including a recent two-week celebration at all branch locations featuring commemorative merchandise.
“We’ve had a purpose, a mission to bring value to our members’ lives,” AmFirst Board Member Barney Hatten said in a statement. “In 1936, they didn’t know how this organization would grow over the years, but, more importantly, they had one mission: to put our members first.”
Hatten added that the credit union has remained true to that purpose throughout its history.
DuPage Marks 70 years
According to DuPage Credit Union, the Naperville, Ill.-based institution is celebrating its 70th anniversary after being founded in 1956 as West DuPage Schools Credit Union.
The credit union said it now serves more than 47,000 members across seven counties and neighboring states.
“For 70 years, DuPage Credit Union has been committed to helping our members build stronger financial futures while making a lasting impact in the communities we serve,” President and CEO Roberta Kozlowicz said in a statement.
As part of its anniversary celebration, DuPage Credit Union said it is hosting member events, giveaways and promotions throughout the year. Most recently, it deposited $70 into the savings accounts of 70 members selected as part of the celebration.
The credit union said the anniversary recognizes both its history and its ongoing investments in innovation, member service and community engagement.
Ascend CU Reaches 75-year Milestone
According to Ascend Federal Credit Union, the Tullahoma, Tenn.-based institution launched its 75th anniversary celebration with a ribbon-cutting ceremony July 10 at its headquarters in partnership with the Tullahoma Area Chamber of Commerce.
Founded in 1951 on Arnold Air Force Base with eight members, Ascend said it has grown from serving military personnel into the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee.
“Ascend was founded on the principle of people helping people,” President and CEO Matt Jernigan said in a statement. “As we celebrate 75 years, we are deeply grateful for the trust our members have placed in us across generations.”
Member Stories Being Shared
The credit union said it is marking the anniversary by sharing member stories that highlight its role in helping individuals and families reach financial goals.
Ascend also pointed to its community investments, saying it focuses its charitable efforts on seven areas, including financial literacy, hunger relief, children’s well-being, veterans, environmental stewardship, diverse communities, and mental and physical health. According to the credit union, it invested $1.2 million in Middle Tennessee through monetary gifts and in-kind donations during 2025.
