PALM DESERT, Calif.–Beyond the keynotes and breakout sessions at the REACH Conference here, an alumni breakfast, a gala and a golf tournament were held.
Here’s a look at each, according to the California, Nevada and Utah leagues, which host the REACH meeting:
The Western Credit Union Management School (WCMS) Alumni Association
The WCMS Alumni Association convened its annual networking breakfast on Tuesday morning during REACH 2025, welcoming credit union executives and alumni from multiple states.
WCMS Dean and Chief Academic Officer Dr. Michael Steinberger discussed the school’s momentum from 2024 to 2025, celebrating the institution’s name change to Western Credit Union Management School. He also touched on the expansion of its scholarship program designed to ensure accessibility for future leaders, the league said.
Two Milestones
Also highlighted were two milestones from the 2025 summer session at Pomona College in Claremont Calif.:
- The largest-ever graduating cohort, the “Chi” Class with 139 students, completed the rigorous, three-year program. The commencement ceremony included a generous class gift, which included $15,000 over three years for the new Nancy H. Wood Legacy Scholarship, honoring the former director of school administration.
- Another highlight this past year has been the newly renamed Diana Dykstra Prize for Credit Union Innovation. This distinction is awarded during the annual WCMS Innovators Challenge, a full-day capstone event focused on mitigating complex challenges. Credit union leaders and guests gathered for the Richard Myles Johnson Foundation (RMJ) Donor Appreciation Gala on Monday night before REACH 2025. The evening is a favorite among attendees dedicated to supporting financial education across California and Nevada, celebrating another year of expanded outreach and innovation.
Richard M. Miles Foundation
This year’s gala, sponsored exclusively by Velera, transported attendees to the Desert White House in Indio, Calif., known for its iconic mid-century modern architecture in the heart of Coachella Valley. RMJ Foundation supporters and guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while mingling.
The foundation highlighted the successful maturity of its recent program updates which continue driving engagement. One of these include the Bite Of Reality2 App, now leveraged by hundreds of credit unions across 16 states to deliver a fun and impactful educational experience. The Life Simulation Program is also being used to help credit union staff and leadership better understand the realities of financial and emotional distress for low-income families, the leagues reported.
As in past years, the foundation will host a Bite Of Reality session during the REACH 2025 week, showcasing the program’s value to credit union professionals and the local students and communities they serve.
Golf Tournament
REACH Golf kicked off REACH 2025 with a commitment to philanthropy for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN). Held at JW Marriott Desert Springs Golf Club’s Valley Course, the final outcome included:
- First Place (score of 57): Harold Roundtree, Nate Burns, David King, and Jeff LeBlanc.
- Second Place (score of 62; scorecard playoff): Jake Bell, Christian Ofner, Dan Pake, and John Tull.
- Third Place (score of 62; scorecard playoff): Mike Nesbitt, Kevin Van Buskirk, Brian Werner, and Scott Hinkle.
