GREENSBORO, N.C. — Summit Credit Union said it has been recognized with two honors from the Carolinas Credit Union Foundation, including the 2025 Partners in Philanthropy Award and the Desjardins Award for youth financial education.
The Partners in Philanthropy Award was presented to Summit Credit Union in partnership with the James V. and Elizabeth N. Hamilton Foundation in recognition of Elizabeth “Sis” Hamilton’s decades of service to the credit union movement.
Hamilton dedicated more than 70 years to promoting cooperation, mentorship and the role credit unions play in strengthening communities, according to Summit.
In her honor, Summit Credit Union established the Hamilton Professional Development Grant Fund. Through support from the credit union and the Hamilton Foundation, more than $230,000 has been committed to leadership and professional development opportunities for small credit unions across the Carolinas.
The grants are designed to support training initiatives, expand strategic capacity and help smaller credit unions maintain the resources needed to serve their members and communities, the organization said.
Desjardins Award Also Presented
Separately, Summit Credit Union received the Desjardins Award recognizing excellence in youth financial education for its rebranded Elevation youth program. The program is aimed at helping younger members develop practical financial skills and real-world financial knowledge.
“Carrying forward Sis Hamilton’s remarkable legacy makes this Partners in Philanthropy award even more meaningful,” said Sam Whitehurst, president and CEO of Summit Credit Union. “Her spirit of service continues to inspire the work we do every day. These awards reflect what we believe at our core — people helping people.”
Summit Credit Union, founded in 1935, serves approximately 30,000 members and manages about $361 million in assets. The credit union provides financial services to employees at more than 300 companies across North Carolina, including checking accounts, credit cards, digital banking services and other consumer financial products.
