FITCHBURG, MA: IC Credit Union is proud to announce a $60,000 donation to St. Bernard’s High School in support of its Endowment Campaign, reinforcing the credit union’s commitment to education and community development. At the January 2025 Meeting, IC’s Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve this gift — which is the largest single philanthropic commitment in the Credit Union’s 97-year history.
Thanks to a generous anonymous donor, tripling the contribution, the total impact rises to an extraordinary $240,000. Additionally, IC Credit Union’s Board Chairman, Norman P. Gariepy and his wife, Tillie Ryan, have personally pledged $10,000, raising the final total to $280,000 inclusive of the match.
“At IC Credit Union, we believe in supporting organizations that have a lasting impact on our community,” said Christopher Hendry, President & CEO of IC Credit Union. “St. Bernard’s High School has been a pillar of education in Fitchburg for generations, and we are honored to contribute to its long-term sustainability through this campaign.”
St. Bernard’s High School Endowment Campaign is designed to secure the school’s financial future for years to come. Thanks to an anonymous donor, every dollar contributed will be matched 3:1, up to the first $2 million raised by June 30, 2025, creating the potential for an $8 million endowment. Funds raised will provide sustainable resources to support scholarships, faculty, and academic initiatives. The support from IC Credit Union and its leadership reflects a shared commitment to fostering strong educational foundations within the community.
“We are incredibly grateful for IC Credit Union’s generous donation,” said Kelly Jennison, Director of External Relations at St. Bernard’s High School. “The funds will secure the future of the school, allowing St. Bernard’s High School to remain a premier independent high school option in Fitchburg, serving students for decades to come.”
IC Credit Union’s dedication to education extends beyond institutional support to directly benefiting local students. Through its scholarship programs, IC awarded $15,500 in scholarships this year to students of its members and IC team members, reinforcing its investment in the future workforce. This includes a $2,000 scholarship in partnership with the North Central Mass Chamber of Commerce, five $1,500 scholarships to local high school seniors; and two $1,500 internal scholarships for IC team members. Additionally, IC granted three $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors at Fitchburg High School.
IC continues to invest in the communities it serves, with a strong focus on education, financial wellness, and local initiatives that create a meaningful and lasting impact.
For more information on IC Credit Union community involvement, please visit iccreditunion.org.
