Dupaco’s fraud prevention efforts save members millions in 2025

DUBUQUE, Iowa — Fraud attempts are on the rise, and scammers are becoming more sophisticated every day. For more than 77 years, Dupaco Credit Union has been committed to protecting its members and their money. Through expert monitoring, education and advanced technology, the ongoing effort is paying off: in 2025, Dupaco has already helped prevent nearly $7 million in potential losses, reinforcing its role as trusted partner in safeguarding members’ financial well-being.  

Behind the scenes at Dupaco’s operations center in Dubuque’s Millwork District, the financial cooperative’s fraud team works tirelessly to ensure members accounts are protected from potential fraud losses. They collaborate with other financial institutions, partner with law enforcement, and complete regular training to ensure all Dupaco employees remain informed so they can be a leader in fraud prevention. 

Dupaco also continues to invest in innovative technologies to help detect suspicious account activity. These systems are designed to recognize anomalies and inconsistencies—flagging any issues before they become problems.  

“Fraud prevention is a shared effort. Everyone’s vigilance matters,” said Jill Gogel, vice president, fraud services at Dupaco. “Fraud attempts are rising everywhere. When members stay alert and we stay ahead of the trends, we create a strong line of defense—together.” 

Gogel provides these tips as a few ways to stay proactive in the fight against fraud on financial accounts: 

• Monitor your accounts online regularly. 
• Review your credit report regularly. Dupaco members can use Bright Track, the credit union’s free tool within their Shine online or mobile banking to keep tabs on their credit report and spending trends.  
• Set up eNotifiers to receive alerts for things like account activity, balance and debit card usage. At Dupaco, these can be delivered by text, email or both—your choice.  
• Use strong, unique passphrases. Then, be sure to update them often. 
• Sign up for two-step login verification for your online accounts, then verify your contact information with your financial institution to ensure your verification codes are reaching you.  
• Utilize the passcode or biometric options on your personal phone and other devices. 
• And most importantly—trust your gut. If something feels off, or you think you may have been targeted by a fraudster, don’t hesitate to reach out. 

For more fraud prevention resources visit dupaco.com/protection.  

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ABOUT DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION  

Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 118 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Founded in 1948 by ten Dubuque Packing Company employees, membership has grown to more than 178,000 with assets exceeding $3.5 billion. It has over 600 employees and 23 branch office locations. Learn more at www.dupaco.com. 

La Follette High School Educator Taylor Koss Wins Silver at 2025 Deaflympics

MADISON, Wis.—Taylor Koss, an American Sign Language teacher at the Madison Metropolitan School District’s (MMSD) Robert M. La Follette High School, captured a silver medal in the 4X100 relay at the 2025 World Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan. 

“Representing Team USA as a Deaf athlete is something I take great pride in,” Koss said. “Competing at the Deaflympics and bringing home a medal is an honor, but so is being able to share that experience with my students. I want them to know that their identity is a strength and that they can succeed on any stage.”

Upon his return to the school, students and staff honored Koss with a celebration featuring the La Follette band and messages of support from the Lancer community. His achievement reflects years of dedication to his athletic pursuits and his work with students.

“Taylor is an incredibly valued member of our school,” La Follette Principal Mat Thompson said. “Our students look up to him not only for his athletic success but for the leadership, positivity and authenticity he brings to the classroom every day. Mr. Koss is such a role model for our Lancers. We are proud to celebrate this accomplishment with him.”

Koss has represented Team USA three times before this year and is known for training independently, often without a coach or major sponsorship. USA Deaf Track and Field receives no government funding, and athletes frequently balance full-time work with travel, training and fundraising efforts. Despite these challenges, Koss has remained committed to competing at the highest level while serving students at La Follette.

As an ASL teacher and Deaf educator, Koss contributes to a learning environment where sign language, accessibility and Deaf culture are embedded throughout the school community. La Follette High School, along with Ray F. Sennett Middle and Dr. Virginia Henderson Elementary schools, serves as a hub for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students and offers specialized resources that support communication access, language development and academic success.

MMSD’s DHH programming includes:

• Direct instruction from licensed DHH teachers 
• Educational sign language interpreters who support communication in academic, social and extracurricular settings
• Audiology services that maintain and monitor hearing equipment
• American Sign Language coursework through level four at La Follette 
• School environments where sign language is normalized and used widely, including by hearing peers

“Having educators like Taylor makes a meaningful difference in the lives of our students,” Thompson added. “He shows them what is possible and helps create a school culture where DHH students feel seen, supported and valued.”

To learn more about MMSD’s special education services, which include DHH programming, please visit the MMSD website.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

Dupaco honored with Mastercard® “Doing Well by Doing Good” award

Dubuque, Iowa –Dupaco Community Credit Union has been recognized by Mastercard® with the prestigious Doing Well by Doing Good Award as part of the 6th Annual Mastercard Community Institution Segment Awards. This honor celebrates Dupaco’s unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in the communities it serves. 

Mastercard® established these awards to recognize outstanding community financial institutions that exemplify the spirit of giving back. The Doing Well by Doing Good Award acknowledges organizations that demonstrate exceptional dedication to community service, philanthropy and charitable efforts. 

“Receiving this award from Mastercard is a tremendous honor because it reflects Dupaco’s deep commitment to helping members build a life worth loving and creating a brighter community for all,” said Joe Hearn, President and CEO of Dupaco Community Credit Union. “Through our community impact efforts, we strive to create pathways to economic well-being for individuals and strengthen the communities we serve.” 

Dupaco’s community impact approach is rooted in addressing critical challenges such as housing, workforce development, and small business growth. These efforts are amplified by the Dupaco Foundation, which also invests in individuals and nonprofit organizations working to make a meaningful difference. 

Mastercard® praised Dupaco for its meaningful contributions, stating that the credit union’s dedication to community initiatives serves as an inspiring example of what it means to “Do Well by Doing Good.” 

For more information about Dupaco’s community impact efforts, visit dupaco.com/ways-we-give. 

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ABOUT DUPACO COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION 

Dupaco Community Credit Union is a not-for-profit, member-owned financial cooperative headquartered in Dubuque, Iowa. It is dedicated to the financial well-being of its members, and specializes in personalized financial counseling, money advice and education. It offers savings, loans, investments, insurance and wealth management products for individuals and businesses. Dupaco serves residents in 118 counties throughout Iowa, northwest Illinois and southwest Wisconsin. Founded in 1948 by ten Dubuque Packing Company employees, membership has grown to more than 176,000 with assets exceeding $3.6 billion. It has over 600 employees and 23 branch office locations. Learn more at www.dupaco.com. 

MMSD Awarded Grant to Expand Urban Forestry and Outdoor Learning Opportunities

MADISON, Wis.—The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) has been awarded a $20,000 Green & Healthy Schoolyards grant from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to expand tree canopy and enhance outdoor learning opportunities at Sherman Middle School/Malcolm Shabazz City High School and Mendota Elementary School.

“This funding allows us to deepen our commitment to creating healthy, engaging outdoor spaces for students,” MMSD Sustainability Manager Bryanna Krekeler said. “Expanding tree canopy not only benefits our school communities environmentally, it also provides opportunities for outdoor learning and hands-on exploration.”

Planning for each site will be coordinated with upcoming building updates to ensure new plantings grow alongside long-term improvements. The work also builds on MMSD’s recent efforts to preserve and relocate trees at referendum project sites, where partners and volunteers helped protect valued natural spaces during construction.

Growing the tree canopy supports meaningful outdoor learning by creating comfortable, shaded spaces where teachers can bring lessons outside and students can engage with the natural world. These improvements bond school communities, support student well-being and create outdoor areas that families can enjoy during community events and after-school activities.

At Mendota, the grant will strengthen work already underway to enhance learning experiences outdoors. 

“Outdoor learning is a powerful tool for helping students connect with the natural world and with one another,” said Lindsey Jones, principal of Mendota Elementary School. “This grant will help us expand spaces where students can explore, learn and feel grounded in their school environment.”

MMSD’s work to improve outdoor environments is part of the district’s broader sustainability commitment. In 2022, the Board of Education adopted a resolution to reduce districtwide greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2045. This long-term effort includes investing in energy-efficient buildings, expanding green spaces, supporting outdoor learning and working toward healthier, more sustainable school communities for all students.

The grant, part of DPI’s Green & Healthy Schoolyards: Teaching In and About Urban Forests program, supports school districts in creating and enhancing urban forestry projects on school grounds. Funds will be used during the 2026–27 school year to plant additional trees and provide training for teachers and staff on incorporating outdoor education into their instruction. 

It does not require matching funds and aligns with MMSD’s continued focus on sustainability, environmental literacy and high-quality outdoor spaces across school campuses.

To learn more about the district’s approach to sustainability, please visit the MMSD website.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.

Sennett Seventh-Grader to Compete with Team USA at 2025 Pan American Judo Championships

MADISON, Wis.—Iliyan Hoskins, a seventh-grader at the Madison Metropolitan School District’s (MMSD) Ray F. Sennett Middle School, has been selected to represent Team USA at the 2025 U13/U15 Pan American Judo Championships in Lima, Peru, on Dec. 5–6, 2025. 

He will compete in the male -47 kg (approx. 104 lbs) division after qualifying for the USA Judo Pan American U13 Championship Team on June 20, earning berths in both the -47kg and -52kg (approx. 115 lbs) weight classes.

Hoskins began practicing judo at age 4 and has developed into one of the country’s top young competitors. He trains at the European Judo Academy in Wheeling, Ill., under coach Gela Kelikhashvili, whose guidance has strengthened Hoskins’ technique and competitive preparation. Hoskins has earned nine national championship titles and was ranked the nation’s No. 1 junior athlete in 2022 under former coach Sensei Os Millan.

“Iliyan is an exceptional student and an exceptional athlete,” said Jessica Fleischmann, Sennett Middle School assistant principal. “His commitment, humility and drive make him a role model for students across our school. We are incredibly proud to have him represent Sennett, MMSD and the United States on the international stage.”

For Hoskins, competing for Team USA is the result of years of steady work and personal growth.

“My goal is to keep getting better and compete in international tournaments where I can represent my country,” Hoskins said. “I like pushing myself and seeing how far I can go. Judo teaches me discipline and respect. Winning feels amazing, but even when I don’t win, I learn something that makes me better.”

He added that he is proud to represent his school community as well as his team. “I hope younger athletes see that if you work hard and keep going, you can do big things,” he said.

Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Hoskins is recognized for his sportsmanship, leadership and steady presence at school, all qualities that reflect the values of judo and contribute positively to the Sennett community.

The Pan American Judo Championships bring together top youth athletes from across North, Central and South America for one of the highest levels of competition in the sport. Hoskins’ participation is a point of pride for Sennett Middle School and for MMSD, which supports students in pursuing excellence inside and outside the classroom.

For information about the after-school athletics opportunities available to MMSD middle-schoolers, please visit the Madison School & Community Recreation  website.

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About the Madison Metropolitan School District

The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is the second-largest school district in Wisconsin, serving more than 25,000 students across 52 schools. The district’s vision is that every school will be a thriving school that prepares every student to graduate ready for college, career and community. With more than 6,000 teachers and staff, MMSD is committed to ensuring the district’s goals and core values are held at the center of its efforts, so students can learn, belong and thrive. For more information, visit mmsd.org.