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.

Credit Union Magazine: Congrats on winning Mascot Madness! How are you celebrating?

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!

Q: How did you rally so many votes?

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.

Q: Why do you think so many people voted for Dru Blue?

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.

Q: Would you ever come back for a Credit Union Magazine Mascot Madness tournament of champions?

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!

Q: Tell us more about Dru Blue.

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!

Q: Dru Blue, what do you like about the communities GECU serves?

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.

Q: Why does Dru Blue like visiting classrooms and meeting with youth?

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.

Q: Why is financial well-being important to Dru Blue?

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.

Q: What do you have planned for this summer?

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!

Q: You sound very active. How hot is it doing all that in Texas and New Mexico?

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.

Q: Peanut butter and banana sandwiches? Really?

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.