MOUNDS VIEW, Minn. – In a pledge of support for its internship and mentoring programs, Liberty Enterprises presented a check for $5,000 to the African-American Credit Union Coalition at its recent annual conference in Detroit. Liberty's donation will help support the AACUC's three key programs – mentoring, advocacy and internships, said Rick Foy, Liberty's public relations manager. "The AACUC has a great mission, particularly with their internship program," Foy said. "It made logical sense to partner with the Coalition because they are trying to build towards the future of credit unions." "We greatly appreciate Liberty's ongoing and enthusiastic support of our efforts," said Hubert Hoosman, president/CEO of Vantage Credit Union and chairman emeritus of the AACUC. "The donation goes a long way in promoting our mission of creating opportunities for future leaders in the credit union movement." Indeed, AACUC placed 26 interns with credit unions and credit union partners across the country this summer and is in the process of setting up a mentorship program with South African credit unions. Working with WOCCU's African Development Fund, the AACUC will help find residents there who will train as managers for a three-month period scheduled to start in December. The group's advocacy program also works for AACUC members' perspective to be added to appropriate boards, trade associations, commissions, and targeted legislative and regulatory organizations. This marks the second year of Liberty's commitment to the AACUC, established in 1999 to increase the global credit union movement's strength by adding the focused perspective and energy of credit union volunteers and professionals of African-American and African descent.