MERRILLVILLE, Ind. – Centier Bank donated a $26,000 scholarship to Purdue University Northwest on Giving Tuesday called the Pathway to Purpose Endowed Scholarship. The scholarship contributes toward annual undergraduate scholarship for students enrolled in the College of Business that are majoring in accounting or finance and demonstrate a financial need.
The scholarship was created and endowed by Centier Bank, who some three years ago, partnered with the Indiana Bankers Association and PNW to fund the addition of a banking concentration at the University’s College of Business.
The establishment of a banking concentration cements a partnership between PNW and Indiana banks designed to assist the next generation of college graduates in seeking viable career opportunities. The concentration helps students in underrepresented populations identify post-graduate career paths, while benefiting the banking community in attracting future talent.
According to Rachel Clapp-Smith, Dean of Students at Purdue University Northwest, the mission in the College of Business is to prepare students to make a difference in their organizations and communities, and that those who complete a four-year degree have a higher lifetime earning potential than those who do not.
“The Centier Bank Pathway to Purpose Endowed Scholarship will allow us to support Finance and Accounting majors intending to complete the Banking Concentration so that they can persist in their programs and pursue their dreams,” Clapp-Smith explained. “We are extremely grateful to Centier Bank for investing in the future leaders of the region and who will make a difference in our communities.”
Anthony Contrucci, Board of Director of Centier Bank, said the pledge he made three years to help fund the school’s banking concentration is what makes the endowed scholarship so meaningful to Centier Bank, as many of the company’s past and present leaders are alumni of PNW.
“Being that many of Centier Bank’s associates are graduates of Purdue University Northwest, it is only fitting that we invest in the future leaders of our industry and our community,” Contrucci explained. “Through this endowed scholarship, we can not only invest in the future of banking, but also invest in and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the future of banking. This opportunity to guide financially challenged students to a better tomorrow both personally and professionally is impactful and we are honored to enrich their lives as they expand the industry.”
Matt Wells, Associate Vice Chancellor for Development & External Engagement, said he is grateful to Centier for partnering with PNW and investing in their students.
“Centier continues to be a tremendous partner to Purdue Northwest,” Wells said. “Many of our graduates have built long and successful careers with the bank over the years, and the Centier Bank Pathway to Purpose scholarship will support students with high potential - but also high financial need - as they pursue their education. We are deeply grateful for Centier’s generosity and investment in our university and the Northwest Indiana region.”
For more information about Purdue University Northwest, go to pnw.edu. For more information about Centier Bank, go to centier.com.
