Credit Union Magazine set out this spring to find the credit union movement's best mascot. After a three-week tournament that included 16 mascots and more than 12,000 votes, GECU's Dru Blue walked away as the inaugural Mascot Madness champion.
His love of the people helping people philosophy shines through, and Credit Union Magazine readers consistently voted for the free-spirited mascot from the $3.9 billion asset credit union in El Paso, Texas. But we wanted to learn a bit more about Dru Blue, so we asked him directly.
This interview with Dru Blue and the GECU employees who know him best dives into what drives the mascot, financial education, his love of credit unions, and more.
Dru Blue: I’m honored! GECU hosted a celebration where our amazing GECU employees surprised me with my favorite snack, peanut butter and banana sandwiches!
Dru Blue: Our loyal GECU members, employees, incredible community, and amazing community partners supported me on this incredible journey to win the top spot. GECU and I would like to sincerely thank everyone who cheered me on and voted for me in each round to the very end.
GECU: Wherever Dru Blue goes, he wins the hearts of people with his free-spirited, confident, energetic, and playful nature. We believe that those who voted for him connected with his fun-loving personality and support what he does for the community.
GECU: Absolutely! Dru Blue and all of his supporters are ready and excited to defend his crown as champion when the Mascot Madness tournament returns. It is a fun experience!
GECU: GECU is Dru Blue’s home, where he enjoys scratches behind his ears and receiving his favorite treats, peanut butter and banana sandwiches. He visits so many fun parks where he plays and meets people who like to take pictures with him. He likes to play as much as he can, and he loves meeting new people who like to play.
Dru Blue knows it’s important to plan for the future, so he used to bury bones. Now he keeps them at GECU where they will be safe. Everywhere Dru Blue goes, he loves to promote financial literacy, especially when he visits classrooms to help kids start their bright financial future.
They say dogs are man’s best friend, and he’s here to prove it. He’s not just loyal; he’s Dru Blue all the way!
Dru Blue: I love meeting new people wherever I go and I enjoy new experiences, whether it’s eating new foods, watching a sports game, or taking in the beautiful and natural scenery of the places I visit.
GECU: Making financial education fun and accessible to everyone is one of Dru Blue’s top priorities. His visits to classrooms get students excited about learning how to budget and save so they can build a bright and healthy financial future.
GECU: As part of GECU and the credit union movement, Dru Blue believes financial well-being for all means that people can achieve their dreams of homeownership, pursuing a business project, going to college, and more. He believes that a strong financial foundation has the power to have a positive and transforming difference in one’s life.
Dru Blue: I have so many fun activities on my summer bucket list, like cooling off at the pool, exploring nature, hiking, building a sandcastle at the beach, catching a game, cheering on my favorite sports teams, and so much more. I can’t wait!
Dru Blue: I enjoy the sunny and warm weather that is present for most of the year across Texas and New Mexico. I make sure to drink plenty of water and wear lots of sunblock! I look forward to a nice break from the heat each winter when I head out to the snowy mountains of New Mexico.
Dru Blue: While I’m out promoting financial well-being, visiting classrooms, and volunteering, I get really hungry. Peanut butter and banana sandwiches are the perfect, nutritious, and healthy snack to energize me to keep doing good work in the community.