Gonzaga University and U.S. Bank Deepen Partnership With Launch of Co-Branded Debit Card Featuring Iconic Campus Landmark
In a continued effort to strengthen ties with its academic partners and support higher education initiatives, U.S. Bank has expanded its longstanding partnership with Gonzaga University by launching a newly designed Visa® Debit Card emblazoned with a visual representation of College Hall—the university’s oldest and most iconic building. Officially released on May 11, 2025, the new co-branded card offers Gonzaga students, faculty, alumni, and supporters a new way to celebrate their connection to the university while contributing to its future.
The card design marks a milestone in the partnership between U.S. Bank and Gonzaga, which has spanned nearly two decades. Since 2006, U.S. Bank has operated a full-service branch and ATM located inside the university’s John J. Hemmingson Center at 702 E. Desmet Avenue. Beyond offering convenient financial services on campus, the bank provides robust financial support to Gonzaga through an annual contribution of $75,000 to the university’s general scholarship fund—underscoring its commitment to higher education and student success.
A Symbol of School Pride and Support
The design of the debit card is more than a financial tool—it’s a piece of Gonzaga pride. Featuring a close-up of College Hall, the centerpiece of the Gonzaga campus, alongside the statue of St. Ignatius of Loyola, the card resonates deeply with the university community. College Hall stands as a historic symbol of academic excellence in Spokane and embodies the institution’s Jesuit values and tradition of education.
“We’re proud of our longstanding partnership with U.S. Bank, which has made a meaningful impact on Gonzaga students for two decades,” said Kara Hertz, Assistant Vice President of Alumni and External Relations at Gonzaga University. “The new debit card design featuring our iconic College Hall is a great way for our community to show their Zag pride while supporting future scholarships.”
The sentiment was echoed by Brian Young, District Manager for U.S. Bank in Eastern Washington, who emphasized the bank’s dedication to the GU community and the importance of combining community engagement with financial innovation. “We are very excited to expand the bank’s connection with Gonzaga University and provide students, faculty, staff, and supporters the opportunity to showcase their school spirit,” Young said. “Featuring College Hall, a storied representation of higher education in Spokane, this debit card design signifies our commitment to the GU family.”
Student-Driven Design Process
In a show of community involvement, Gonzaga University invited students to participate in the design selection process. The bank and university collaborated to present three proposed debit card designs to the student body, allowing them to vote for their favorite. The incentive to participate included a $5 Starbucks gift card for each student who cast a vote, encouraging high engagement.
More than 800 students voted in the contest, with the winning design—a close-up view of College Hall alongside the St. Ignatius of Loyola statue—emerging as a clear favorite. The inclusive process not only gave students a voice but also added a deeper layer of personal connection to the card’s final look.
Expanding a Nationwide Program
The Gonzaga University debit card joins a growing family of co-branded U.S. Bank debit cards for higher education institutions. Since launching the program in 2020, U.S. Bank has introduced ten different school designs, including major institutions across the country. More than 100,000 customers have opted for one of the school-themed cards, showing strong demand for personalization that ties banking to identity and loyalty.
The Gonzaga card is the first of its kind for the university, signaling a new era in the partnership with U.S. Bank—one that reflects both brand alignment and a shared commitment to supporting students through scholarships, innovation, and engagement.
Convenient Access, Modern Tools
Gonzaga community members can order the new U.S. Bank Debit Card with the Gonzaga University design in multiple ways. The card is available online through usbank.com, via the award-winning U.S. Bank Mobile App, or at any participating U.S. Bank branch. The digital access aligns with the bank’s broader strategy of offering seamless, hybrid banking experiences that combine leading-edge technology with human service.
In addition to standard in-branch services, U.S. Bank continues to expand its video banking options and digital financial tools, reflecting its goal to be “the bank of the future.” For Gonzaga students and alumni accustomed to mobile-first service models, the combination of in-person service and powerful digital tools makes the transition to this new offering as simple as it is symbolic.
A Partnership Rooted in Purpose
The deepening of the relationship between U.S. Bank and Gonzaga University comes at a time when partnerships between financial institutions and educational entities are more important than ever. With rising tuition costs and growing financial pressures on students and families, banks are playing an increasing role not just in delivering services, but in contributing directly to student success.
“Every dollar that goes into the general scholarship fund makes a difference in a student’s life,” noted Hertz. “By choosing the co-branded debit card, Gonzaga supporters aren’t just showing pride—they’re helping us fund the future.”
U.S. Bank’s annual $75,000 donation to the Gonzaga scholarship fund is unrestricted, meaning it can be used to support a wide variety of students with different needs. It’s a flexible contribution that the university can allocate where it’s needed most—whether that’s helping first-generation students, supporting academic excellence, or ensuring broader access to higher education.
About U.S. Bancorp
U.S. Bancorp, with approximately 70,000 employees and $676 billion in assets as of March 31, 2025, is the parent company of U.S. Bank National Association. Headquartered in Minneapolis, the company serves millions of customers locally, nationally and globally through a diversified mix of businesses including consumer banking, business banking, commercial banking, institutional banking, payments and wealth management. U.S. Bancorp has been recognized for its approach to digital innovation, community partnerships and customer service, including being named one of the 2025 World’s Most Ethical Companies and one of Fortune’s most admired superregional banks. Learn more at usbank.com/about.
Deposit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC.
The U.S. Bank Visa® Debit Card is issued by U.S. Bank National Association, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc.
About Gonzaga University
Gonzaga University, established in Spokane, Wash. in 1887, is a nationally ranked liberal arts institution that educates students for lives of leadership and service for the common good. In keeping with its Catholic, Jesuit, and humanistic heritage and identity, Gonzaga models and expects excellence in academic and professional pursuits and intentionally develops the whole person – intellectually, spiritually, culturally, physically and emotionally. Gonzaga offers 16 undergraduate degrees through 53 majors, 68 minors and 73 concentrations; 23 master’s programs; and five doctorate degrees, through the College of Arts and Sciences and six schools: School of Business Administration, School of Education, School of Engineering and Applied Science, School of Health Sciences, School of Leadership Studies, and School of Law.
