Louise Herring Award Philosophy in Action Award

The Louise Herring Philosophy in Action Award Program recognizes credit unions that demonstrate in an extraordinary way the practical application of credit union philosophy.  Philosophy in action is what distinguishes credit unions from other financial service providers. 

While the Dora Maxwell Award honors external work in the community, the Louise Herring Award is for internal programs and services.  Therefore, it is not recommended that credit unions submit same entry for both programs, as each has different objectives and requirements.

Louise Herring was the embodiment of credit union philosophy. Dubbed “the Mother of Credit Unions” by the Ohio General Assembly, Louise Herring was involved in starting nearly five hundred credit unions.

Louise maintained a philosophical ideal she was unwilling to compromise.She was an outspoken advocate for women, minorities, the poor and near poor.

She strongly believed that the role of the credit union was to provide a means to achieve economic justice for all. At the time of her death, she was enthusiastically involved in the Over the Rhine project, a Greater Cincinnati effort to provide opportunities, including low-cost financial services to a severely depressed area.

Fort Knox Federal Credit Union has received this award in 2004, 2003, 1998 and in 1997.

Back to "Awards" home page.