Sheffield, Ala. – Friday, May 21, 2021 –Ten local college and university students were recognized as recipients of the 2020/2021 Edward Fennel Mauldin Endowed Scholarship by way of virtual, online celebrations hosted in their honor by representatives from Bank Independent and their education partners: Northwest Shoals Community College, Athens State University and University of North Alabama.
The Edward Fennel Mauldin Endowed Scholarship is awarded to qualified, first-generation college students, based on financial need and residency within the seven counties served by Bank Independent. There are two endowed scholarships dedicated to serve Northwest Shoals Community College, two endowed scholarships to serve Athens State University, and six endowed scholarships to serve University of North Alabama.
Recipients at Northwest Shoals Community College are freshman Chesseney Stevenson, nursing, and sophomore Kaylee Ann Smith, studying elementary education. Recipients at Athens State University are senior Dayana Rodriguez, management/marketing, and first year recipient, junior Skyler Holden, Special Education. Recipients at University of North Alabama are freshman Jasmyn Ergle, marketing, sophomore Ashton Pitt, nursing, junior Madison Hall, nursing, senior Rebecca Kellum, marketing, Dakota Rosson, master of accountancy, and Hannah Baggett, master of accountancy.
The theme of each celebration event was encouragement for love of learning. In lieu of a traditional reception, attendees gathered in a virtual meeting space where scholarship recipients were acknowledged and honored for their achievements over the past academic year.
“The Bank established the scholarship to honor the legacy of my father, Edward Fennel Mauldin, and his great love of learning,” explained Macke Mauldin, President and CEO of BancIndependent. “Although he never graduated from college, my dad always expressed a deep appreciation for education and the value of college experience itself. I hope that each of you will cherish the value of your college experience.”
Each virtual event was hosted by the Bank and attended by scholarship recipients, friends and family, the Bank Independent leadership team, Macke Mauldin, and representatives of the respective colleges to include Dr. Glenda Colagross, President of NWSCC, Dr. Keith Ferguson, Vice President for University Advancement at ASU, and Dr. Kenneth Kitts, President of UNA.
Referencing the Bank’s mission to make a positive difference in people’s lives, Mauldin emphasized, “You have the support of every Bank Independent team member. Our challenge to you today is to pay this forward. Remember what has been done for you and pass that kindness along to others.”
The scholarships represent ten allocated Edward Fennel Mauldin Memorial Endowed Scholarships. Six scholarships are awarded each fall to University of North Alabama students, and two to students at Northwest-Shoals Community College.
About Bank Independent
Since 1947, Bank Independent has taken pride in serving the customers who count on us to be there for them when they need us most. With 28 traditional Sales Offices across North Alabama, the Digital Sales Office, and our on-campus Deshler Tiger Branch, we’re committed to providing the best service, designing the most desired products and creating an overall excellent experience for each and every customer. As a local community bank, we believe in building relationships that run deep and last. All of our employees reside in our local communities and believe in giving back through volunteering. To become part of a bank that makes a positive difference in people’s lives, visit us at bibank.com.
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For more information, press only:
Bank Independent, Marketing Department for Bank Independent, (256) 386-5000, ma@bibank.com
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