Media Advisory

Media Advisory FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 30, 2014 Contact: Gay Pinder 410-704-4471 [email protected] President of SECU named lead judge for Towson’s Associate competition A full-time position with credit union to be given to winner of annual student program TOWSON, MD—For the tenth anniversary of its annual Associate competition, the Towson University College of Business and Economics is pleased to announce that Rod Staatz, president and CEO of SECU, will play the role of “The Donald”. The Associate, a TU spin-off of the NBC reality series “The Apprentice,” places eight promising business and accounting seniors in direct competition for the coveted grand prize—a guaranteed job upon graduation, this year with SECU. Week after week, the students are faced with challenges presented by regional companies, and tasked to work in teams to find and present resolutions. In addition to the scholarship prizes offered through the competition, the students also gain integral hands-on experience and invaluable business connections. “We are thrilled to have Mr. Staatz as the presenting executive for the Associate,” said Lisa Michocki, the program’s director. “Students will benefit greatly from interacting with Mr. Staatz and his team throughout the duration of the program and ultimately, one of them will acquire a full-time position post-graduation. This program continues to be a wonderful opportunity for our talented students.” As this year’s “Donald Trump,” Staatz will oversee the competition, serve as lead judge and each week announce who will progress—and who will be eliminated. Staatz has been president and CEO of Maryland’s largest credit union since 2003, and has more than 30 years of experience in financial services. With over 230,000 members and assets of more than $2.6 billion, SECU is ranked among the top 50 credit unions for total assets in the U.S. Towson formed an agreement with SECU this summer to give the financial institution exclusive naming rights to its new, state-of-the-art athletics venue, now known as SECU Arena. “I am honored to have been selected for this important role,” said Staatz. “SECU is proud of its partnership with Towson University, and this competition is another way to link our two institutions in a very meaningful way. Most importantly, Towson students will ultimately benefit the most from this program.” Candidates will be selected by Jan. 15 and the competition will officially begin Feb. 11. The winner will be announced April 1, following the final presentations. For more information about the Associate, contact Lisa Michocki, director of Professional Experience and Outreach. About Towson University (www.towson.edu) Founded in 1866, Towson University is recognized among the nation’s best regional public universities, offering more than 100 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences, and applied professional fields. With more than 21,000 students, Towson University is among the largest public universities in Maryland. Towson combines research-based learning with practical application. Our many interdisciplinary partnerships with public and private organizations throughout Maryland provide opportunities for research, internships and jobs. Towson University is a founding member of the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU). About SECU Founded in Baltimore in 1951, SECU is the largest state-chartered financial cooperative in Maryland, with over 230,000 members. SECU is ranked among the top 50 credit unions for total assets in the U.S. As of September, 2013, assets were $2.7 billion. Headquartered in Linthicum, MD, SECU has 22 branches and 106 ATMs throughout Maryland. SECU also provides access to over 70,000 surcharge-free ATMs through the CO-OP and Allpoint networks. For more information about SECU, visit secumd.org. # # # .

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