Chudy believes the letters are connected to her activism within Vancouver-based Columbia Credit Union, an effort that ultimately led to Chudy's expulsion from one of the state's largest credit unions.

"I was stunned," Chudy said. "Obviously there is a message there, but it's hard to figure out what that message would be."

Columbia officials were equally perplexed and surprised to hear about the graffiti on Chudy's home.

"Columbia is sorry this happened to Cathryn and we hope that the police are successful in uncovering who used our name in such an irresponsible manner," said Colleen Boccia, Columbia spokeswoman.

Chudy has no idea who slipped onto her property sometime between Friday and Saturday and used a white substance to mark the windows. She filed a report with the Vancouver Police Department.

The incident rekindled the tie between Chudy and a tumultuous period in the credit union's recent history. A failed bank conversion in 2003 inspired an uprising led by Chudy and a small number of members who formed Save Columbia Credit Union.

The group capitalized on the blocked conversion to launch themselves into leadership roles with the 63,000-member credit union.

But the group splintered, and in November voters at the annual membership meeting expelled Chudy, Lloyd Marbet and Kathryn Edgecomb in a move that also stripped the trio of their leadership positions.

Aggressive campaign

Chudy said Columbia mounted an aggressive advertising campaign prior to the meeting that she feels created anger and fear among employees and members. She believes in some way those feelings were manifested in the vandalism on her home, but she has no explanation for why it happened now and not earlier when emotions were higher.

Chudy said the Save group has continued to hold monthly meetings since November's vote. She said there are two court decisions pending, one that might give the three an avenue toward reinstatement as Columbia members.

Chudy said that while she isn't clear about the motivation or intent of the graffiti, she is sure the incident won't intimidate the Save group.

Update

- Previously: Cathryn Chudy and two other members of Columbia Credit Union were expelled from the institution in November, losing their membership and leadership positions.

- What's new: Chudy found several windows of her Vancouver home marked with the letters CCU on Saturday. She believes the vandalism is somehow linked to her fight for open governance.

- What's next: A police report was taken regarding the graffiti.

Jonathan Nelson can be reached at 360-759-8013 or

jonathan.nelson@columbian.com.