Inaugural scholarship winners receive awards based on academics, financial need
MOBILE, Ala. (July 29, 2021)—For many talented students, finding money to make higher education dreams real can be a big roadblock. Hancock Whitney—one of America’s strongest, safest banks—is working with the 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile, Inc., to help create a clearer path to opportunity for outstanding students at Bishop State Community College.
Over the next two years, 122-year-old Hancock Whitney will match a $10,000 gift from the 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile, Inc., (The 100) to establish the 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile Scholars Scholarship Fund through the Bishop State Community College Foundation (BSCCF). BSCCF will contribute $1,000 annually for the next five years to support the scholarship and assist in continuously raising funds to ensure the scholarship program stays active.
“Imagine getting to college, doing well, and then not having the money you need to finish your degree,” said Hancock Whitney Alabama Market President Guy Helmsing. “We at Hancock Whitney are very pleased to join with the 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile and Bishop State to alleviate some of the financial worries these hard-working students face so they can focus on the higher education goals that will help them succeed.”
Helping to Finance the Future. Representatives from 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile, Inc. (The 100), Bishop State Community College (BSCC), and Hancock Whitney announced the creation of The 100’s Scholars Scholarship Fund to help deserving students with financial need finish their final year of study at Bishop State. Over the next two years, Hancock Whitney will match a $10,000 gift from The 100 to establish the scholarship program through Bishop State Community College Foundation (BSCCF). Pictured (from left): Dr. André Green, president of The 100; Hon. Karlos Finley of The 100; Sherrica Davis-Hunt, BSCC Director of Institutional Advancement; Tramaine Perry, Hancock Whitney business banker; and Primus Ridgeway, BSCCF board chair.
Each year, the scholarship program will provide up to four students in their final year of study at Bishop State up to $1,250 each in scholarship dollars. Eligible students must have a 2.75 grade-point average to qualify for the scholarship and show financial need. While the program considers all majors, the primary focus is on students from low-to-moderate income backgrounds who are studying business or finance.
“We believe this scholarship can provide the essential opportunity to give promising students the chance to earn a world-class education in the face of rising costs for a college degree,” said 100 Black Men of Mobile, Inc., President Dr. André Green.
Founded in 1997, The 100 is a small non-profit organization that strives to make an impact in Mobile by uplifting the lives of all, particularly people in underserved communities.
Through the partnership with 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile, Inc., and BSCC, Hancock Whitney will also provide ongoing diversity, inclusion, and equity learning seminars for BSCC students and help BSCC students consider career opportunities in the financial services arena.
The First Scholarship Winners
The 100, BSCC, and Hancock Whitney recently presented the first scholarships to BSCC students Taylor Law, a general education major with a 3.29 GPA, and Elisha Osigwe, a computer science major maintaining a 3.47 GPA.
Law comes from a family whose financial stability suffered further from the pandemic’s economic impacts. She graduates from BSCC in December 2021 and plans to attend a four-year institution of higher learning and, eventually, law school. Law will be the first person in her family to graduate from college. Osigwe currently works a part-time job to help pay for his education. He is interested in a cybersecurity career field and has a strong desire to succeed so he can help take care of his mother, who has sacrificed for him.
“These students have not only the need for financial help to complete their educations but also the talent and drive to succeed in the workforce,” said Hancock Whitney Business Banker Tramaine Perry, a member of The 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile Inc. “That kind of commitment is critical to building careers and achieving professional and personal fulfillment beyond graduation. We are honored to partner with The 100 and Bishop State to help these students achieve their dreams.”
Founded 1927, Bishop State Community College (BSCC) is a state-supported, two-year, public, historically Black college (HBCU) in Mobile committed to providing students with a quality, affordable education to enter the workforce successfully and thrive. More than 83 percent of BSSC students received grant or scholarship aid in 2019-2020, and almost 80 percent of degrees awarded that academic year were in fields such as accounting and technology.
About Hancock Whitney
Since the late 1800s, Hancock Whitney has embodied core values of Honor & Integrity, Strength & Stability, and Commitment to Service, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility. Hancock Whitney offices and financial centers in Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, and Texas offer comprehensive financial products and services, including traditional and online banking; commercial and small business banking; private banking; trust and investment services; healthcare banking; certain insurance services; and mortgage services. The company also operates a loan production office in Nashville, Tennessee. BauerFinancial, Inc., the nation’s leading independent bank rating and analysis firm, consistently recommends Hancock Whitney as one of America’s most financially sound banks. More information is available at www.hancockwhitney.com.
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