Catholic University – Tucson and Tucson Federal Credit Union Partner to Expand Student Opportunity and Career Pathways

The Catholic University of America, the national university of the Catholic Church based in Washington, D.C., launched its Tucson program in 2020 to expand access to career-focused, values-based education in Southern Arizona. The program has announced a new partnership with Tucson Federal Credit Union (TFCU), marked by a $120,000 gift to support student scholarships and program operations. The multi-year commitment establishes the Tucson Federal Credit Union Student Impact Fund and reflects a shared investment in expanding opportunity for students in the region.

Rooted in TFCU’s mission to create opportunities through service, education, and access, the partnership is designed to empower students, improve lives, and foster prosperity across generations. The collaboration builds on an existing relationship between the two organizations, centered on preparing students for meaningful careers in Tucson.

During the past three years, three Catholic University – Tucson students have interned with TFCU’s Business Services team, gaining hands-on experience in finance and operations. One of those internships has already led to full-time employment of Michael Lamb, Class of 2026, after graduation, demonstrating the strength of this direct pathway from education to career.

“This partnership is a powerful example of what can happen when mission-driven organizations come together to invest in students and in the future of our community,” said David P. Long, dean of the School of Professional Studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., under which the Tucson program operates. “Tucson Federal Credit Union understands both the value of education and the importance of preparing students for meaningful careers, and we are deeply grateful for their support.”

“Too often, higher education operates in silos, disconnected from industry. We are committed to working at the cutting edge of true collaboration between education and employers, and Tucson Federal Credit Union is a strong example of this in action. With their executive team teaching in our classrooms, hosting our students as interns, and now investing in scholarships, they show what meaningful partnership really looks like. We welcome others who want to be part of this work to connect with us,” said Keiran Roche, assistant dean who oversees the Tucson extension campus. 

The partnership extends beyond financial support. Senior leaders from TFCU, including Christopher Fonseca, who teaches Managerial Accounting, and Shaima Namazifard, who teaches business communication, serve as instructors in the Tucson program, bringing real-world expertise directly into the classroom. Their involvement strengthens the program’s commitment to values-based education, where students are encouraged to grow in character, develop their gifts, and pursue work that contributes to the common good.

“My experience teaching Catholic University Tucson students over the past four years has been incredibly rewarding. The students are eager to learn and demonstrate a genuine commitment to their academic and professional growth,” said Shaima Namazifard, vice president of Business Services at Tucson Federal Credit Union and Catholic University Tucson Instructor. “One of the most meaningful aspects has been watching former students thrive in internships, present with confidence, and apply the skillsets we focus on in class throughout their coursework and time at Catholic University. It’s been amazing to see that growth come full circle, including having a former student join our team at TFCU and develop an interest in business lending.”

“Teaching in the Tucson program has been a meaningful way to pay it forward by sharing the front-line perspective of a modern financial executive,” said Christopher Fonseca, chief financial officer at Tucson Federal Credit Union and Catholic University Tucson Instructor. “Managerial accounting is more than a technical requirement. It is a critical tool for resource management and ethical stewardship. This partnership brings that to life by connecting classroom learning to real-world decision-making and preparing students to lead with both competence and responsibility.”

“TFCU is deeply committed to being more than just a financial institution; we are a partner in our community’s growth. Our partnership with Catholic University allows us to fulfill a vital mission: providing direct career pathways and bridging educational gaps for first-time minority college students. By investing in our community in this manner, we are removing barriers to entry and ensuring that the next generation of Tucson’s leaders has the support they need to thrive,” said Matthew Gaspari, president and CEO of Tucson Federal Credit Union.

Together, Catholic University – Tucson and Tucson Federal Credit Union are advancing a shared vision for strengthening the region by developing skilled, values-driven professionals and expanding opportunities for students across Southern Arizona.