Routing# 321480406
In the heart of Mangilao.
The concept of a student-run credit union was first introduced in 2005, during a strategic planning session. The Board and management of Community First planned to address three important issues facing the credit union at the time. The first issue was to develop a program to grow our share of the young adult population. The second issue was to determine if our products and services fit the needs of our changing demographics. Finally, the Board and management wanted to find a way to ensure constant succession planning. ​​​
The outcome of these discussions was the proposal to create a continuous internship program where real-world problems and experiences were handled by our future workforce. After attempting to directly align with post-secondary institutions, the Board decided to simply open a full-service operations center run by students in the heart of Mangilao.
In January 2018, this vision became a reality when Community First launched the Community First Student Run Credit Union, near the campuses of University of Guam and Guam Community College.
One of the many projects undertaken by the student interns was to create a mural that solidified Community First’s commitment to the village of Mangilao. After years of planning, and with the help of University of Guam’s Creative Alliance of Tritons, the mural was completed.
Artists' statement
This mural, created through a collaboration between Community First, the Mangilao Mayor’s Office, and the Creative Alliance of Tritons, is a celebration of Mangilao’s heritage, identity, and community spirit. Drawing from both historical and contemporary symbols, the design weaves together the cultural elements that define this village and the island of Guam.
The central wave motif, inspired by the Community First logo, reimagines the circle of people holding hands as ocean waves, a reflection of Guam’s deep connection to the sea. The ocean has shaped the island’s history, from the first navigators who arrived in flying proas to the generations who relied on these sailing canoes for fishing, travel, and inter-island connection. The waves and sails honor this legacy, symbolizing resilience, unity, and the enduring relationship between the people of Guam and the ocean.
Embedded within the mural are symbols unique to Mangilao: the donne’ sali (hot pepper) celebrated each September, the ko’ko’ bird featured in the village seal, and the bright rock flowers that color the landscape. The inclusion of the Hasso Mangilao Memorial honors the village’s World War II history as a reminder of the strength and survival of the community through hardship.
Together, these elements tell a story not of separate pieces, but of a whole. A community rooted in tradition, connected by shared history, and moving forward with the strength of its culture. This mural is a visual tribute to Mangilao’s identity, a reminder that the waves of the past continue to shape the shores of the present.
