'Meaningful' work on all levels defines Michigan State University Federal Credit Union

Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) is the largest university-based credit union in the world with more than 350,000 members and more than $7.6 billion in assets. However, Silvia Dimma says MSUFCU has never been defined by rankings and numbers, but instead by actions and behaviors.

“‘People helping people,’ that is what we have always lived,” says Dimma, chief human resources officer for the East Lansing-headquartered MSUFCU. “The question that we always ask is: ‘What is the right thing for our membership, our employees, and our community?"   

Dimma went on to say that the credit union is committed to helping its team members achieve “financial security, their goals, and ultimately, their dreams” and that helps to explain why MSUFCU earned the No. 4 spot among large companies in the 2023 Michigan Top Workplaces Competition.

“We are fully committed to the growth and development of our employees across all levels of the organization,” stated Dimma, who oversees leadership and development, talent acquisition, performance management, total rewards and employee onboarding for MSUFCU, which has more than 1,100 employees.

When explaining the credit union’s commitment to its team members, Dimma often uses the word “meaningful” to describe the “environment of meaningful work” that every team member can expect to receive in a friendly, caring atmosphere, which emphasizes recognition and appreciation.

But Dimma also points out that “meaningful” is an accurate description of the impactful community service performed by MSUFCU employees. And by volunteering and making donations that have helped plant trees for a greener community; open an outdoor ice skating rink to bring families together; provide therapy for child victims of abuse, build homes for people in need; and more, Dimma says credit union employees actively create the kind of community and workplace they desire.    

“Giving back to the community is one of our core values and this year our employees designated five charities they wished to serve,” Dimma explained. “Our volunteers have built relationships with our communities, and our volunteers will often bring other employees, which strengthens the relationships with the community and our employees. These conversations continue when the employees return to the office and through this sharing, employees become closer, which adds to the trust across our organization.”   

MSU Federal Credit Union

Industry: Credit union

Top leadership: April Clobes, president and chief executive officer

Home: East Lansing

Employees: 1,171

Website: www.msufcu.org