Cue the CUDE: Find your DE-year song and hang out with us in 2026

by Christopher Morris, DE Program Director

Since 1982, the National Credit Union Foundation’s Credit Union Development Education (CUDE) program has inspired and educated thousands of leaders about the power of financial well-being and the unique growth potential of the credit union mission. A well-connected DE alumni network continues to transform the culture, strategy, outreach and impact of the credit union movement.

To set the tone for 2026, I offer a “Best Song Ever” playlist, inspired by the countless #BestClassEver experiences that have occurred since the DE program’s inception. I encourage you to find your DE-year song below, then listen and reflect while you enroll, register, and apply for these opportunities to hang out with your DE people all year long:

1. Become a CUDE—virtually

If you’re still a DE-wannabe and your 2026 travel schedule is already rough, the 2026 Virtual DE track is open and purpose built for you. It’s four weeks of immersive learning, alongside a cohort of mission‑driven peers, delivered online with rigor and heart—just ask the 2025 virtual class! Get the details and register before space is full.

2. Celebrate innovators at the Foundation Gala

On March 2 at GAC, we’ll honor three industry leaders who embody innovative, creative, risk-taking leadership—and, for the first time ever, all three Herb Wegner Award winners at the Foundation Gala are DEs! This is one of credit unions’ biggest awards celebration—and an essential fundraiser fueling financial well-being work. We hope to show up big with our DE representation. Reserve individual seats, sponsor a table, or make a donation on behalf of yourself or others.

3. Reconnect at the Tom Connors DE Reception

On March 1 at GAC, join DE alumni and friends for the much-anticipated annual DE reunion. Stories, cheers, memories and ideas are guaranteed to spark. Don’t miss out, save your spot before space fills.

4. Shape the future as part of the DE Alumni Advisory Group

If you can’t get enough of the DE alumni energy, the new Advisory Group is a great opportunity to lend your support in strengthening connection, participation, and impact of the DE program. We seek alumni representation to provide insights and feedback that will inform the ongoing development of alumni-focused activities. Learn more and apply by February 13.

The Best Song Ever playlist (1982–today)

You’ve probably looked at what song was the top hit of the year you were born, but have you looked back at what was the #1 song the year you graduated DE? We’re using Billboard’s Hot 100 YearEnd #1 as our #BestEver song for each year. It’s a fun exercise (hello 2005’s “We Belong Together” by Mariah Carey—what are you trying to tell me about DE?). It’s iconic, nostalgic, and makes for a delightful cross genre time capsule—perhaps just like your DE experience. Find your year!

1982 — “Physical” Olivia Newton-John
1983 — “Every Breath You Take” The Police
1984 — “When Doves Cry” Prince
1985 — “Careless Whisper” George Michael
1986 — “That’s What Friends Are For” Dionne & Friends
1987 — “Walk Like an Egyptian” The Bangles
1988 — “Faith” George Michael
1989 — “Look Away” Chicago
1990 — “Hold On” Wilson Phillips
1991 — “(Everything I Do) I Do It for You” Bryan Adams
1992 — “End of the Road” Boyz II Men
1993 — “I Will Always Love You” Whitney Houston
1994 — “The Sign” Ace of Base
1995 — “Gangsta’s Paradise” Coolio feat. L.V.
1996 — “Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix)” Los Del Rio
1997 — “Candle in the Wind 1997” Elton John
1998 — “Too Close” Next
1999 — “Believe” Cher
2000 — “Breathe” Faith Hill
2001 — “Hanging by a Moment” Lifehouse
2002 — “How You Remind Me” Nickelback
2003 — “In da Club” 50 Cent
2004 — “Yeah!” Usher feat. Lil Jon & Ludacris
2005 — “We Belong Together” Mariah Carey
2006 — “Bad Day” Daniel Powter
2007 — “Irreplaceable” Beyoncé
2008 — “Low” Flo Rida feat. T-Pain
2009 — “Boom Boom Pow” The Black Eyed Peas
2010 — “Tik Tok” Kesha
2011 — “Rolling in the Deep” Adele
2012 — “Somebody That I Used to Know” Gotye feat. Kimbra
2013 — “Thrift Shop” Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Wanz
2014 — “Happy” Pharrell Williams
2015 — “Uptown Funk” Mark Ronson feat. Bruno Mars
2016 — “Love Yourself” Justin Bieber
2017 — “Shape of You” Ed Sheeran
2018 — “God’s Plan” Drake
2019 — “Old Town Road” Lil Nas X feat. Billy Ray Cyrus
2020 — “Blinding Lights” The Weeknd
2021 — “Levitating” Dua Lipa feat. DaBaby
2022 — “Heat Waves” Glass Animals
2023 — “Last Night” Morgan Wallen
2024 — “Lose Control” Teddy Swims
2025 — “Die With a Smile” Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars

Whichever song you can’t get out of your head; whatever reminds you of your favorite thing about DE—here’s to the next chorus. Let’s make 2026 the year we write even more powerful lyrics to the next DE-verse.

Story originally published on CUInsight