Now in its fifth year, the Highline College Thunderbird Affinity Debit Card continues to support Thunderbirds with every purchase.
The free, custom debit card from Gesa Credit Union features Highline’s name and Thunderbird logo on the front, and each time it’s used, Gesa donates several cents to the Highline College Foundation.
“Donations now total $37,750, with the most recent $5,000 contribution received last October,” said Josh Gerstman, Highline College’s vice president for institutional advancement and executive director of the Highline College Foundation.
The debit card offers a meaningful way for students, alumni, and other Highline College supporters to show school pride—while helping fund student scholarships and emergency assistance for the Highline College community with every swipe.
For example, Gerstman said funds were used this fall when members of Highline’s community lost access to SNAP benefits during the government shutdown. He said the funds enabled the Foundation to work with the Highline Pantry to help put food on tables.
Katie Rousso, education specialist at Gesa Credit Union, confirmed that the Affinity Debit Card program “allows members to support causes they care about simply by using their debit cards for everyday purchases.” She added that it “turns a regular debit card into a meaningful fundraising tool,” with no cost to the card user.
According to Brandon Allison, Gesa’s vice president for community impact, members choose to use the card because “it provides direct support to Highline students.”
He also noted that “Gesa’s relationship with higher education is rooted in its commitment to supporting local colleges, students, and communities.”
Other institutions in Washington state participating in the program include Centralia College, Columbia Basin College, Everett Community College, Heritage University, and Washington State University.
As to why Gesa offers this program, Rousso said, “We believe in supporting the communities we serve, and we love giving back.” She continued, “It is a strategic initiative of ours to make a positive impact on our communities, and we are proud to provide a product that allows our members to join this mission and support Highline College.”
Rousso explained that the program is funded through interchange income generated with each transaction, with donations coming directly from that revenue.
Gerstman highlighted the significance of the ongoing partnership with Gesa. The partnership, which began in 2021, coincided with Highline’s 60th Anniversary, and Gesa was one of the major sponsors of the anniversary activities. Gerstman noted that Christa Lydiard, a vice president with Gesa, serves on the Highline College Foundation Board.
How to get your card:
- Join Gesa Credit Union online or at any branch.
- Ask for the Highline College Thunderbird Affinity Debit Card—it’s free and customized.
- Use your card for everyday purchases—Gesa donates on your behalf while you still earn all your regular rewards.
Help our students soar with every swipe!