The Volunteer Distinguished Service Award is the highest individual honor that can be bestowed upon the credit union volunteer in Nebraska. By its very nature, the credit union movement is made up of people willing to give a little extra and do a little more. It is for these volunteers that the Nebraska Credit Union League will recognize one person with this prestigious award at the annual meeting.
On June 16, Elly Hardekopf, former University of Nebraska Federal Credit Union Board Member, was awarded this prestigious honor. Hardekopf served on the NUFCU Board of Directors for six years and is currently a member of the credit union’s Educational Services Committee.
Hardekopf was nominated for this award because she exemplifies the philosophy credit unions hold dear “people helping people”. As the credit union worked to make the necessary adjustments to business due to COVID-19, Hardekopf was the first to ask during the Board meetings about how employees were holding up due to the changes. Because of her background in human resources she has always been the voice of the employee during Board meetings. In addition to her concern for the credit union staff, she extended her caring and empathy to the membership. She fully supported our deferment plan for members who might be impacted by the pandemic. She wanted the credit union to be there to support the needs of the membership during this difficult time.
What sets Hardekopf apart from other volunteers at the credit union, is her commitment to giving back to the community. Each year Hardekopf stocks up on items to give to the credit union’s annual Star City Stocking Stuffers that benefits the Community Action Program. In addition to her own giving she advertises the event at work and the employees at Molex give as well. Her dedication to this drive has really helped a lot of kids in Lincoln enjoy their Christmas.
Not only does Hardekopf give of her treasure to help those in need, she also gives of her time to the credit union. In 2020, with the uncertainty of the pandemic, credit union management made the decision to hold our annual shred day. We didn’t really know what to expect since people were locked down at that time. Hardekopf said she had some items that she needed to shred, so she volunteered to come help us.
We started that rainy day out with just two NUFCU staff members and Hardekopf. It was soon apparent this was not going to be your typical shred day. In 2014, which was our past shredding record we came in at 9,640 pounds. In 2020 we shredded 24,185 pounds. And through it all Hardekopf was there right beside us sweating it out.
Congratulations Elly Hardekopf!