Investment further expands bank-university partnership, supports higher-ed’ for rising social justice leaders
MOBILE, Ala. (November 12, 2020)—Hancock Whitney—one of America’s strongest, safest banks—has pledged $20,000 to the University of South Alabama Leadership in Social Justice and Perseverance Scholarship designed to help promising young social justice leaders pursue higher education at USA.
With a total financial impact of $40,000 through dollar-for-dollar matching provided by the Mitchell-Moulton Scholarship Initiative, the contribution supports USA’s $500,000 fund-raising goal for the new scholarship established through a university partnership with 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile.
Hancock Whitney designated its contribution to benefit only low-to-moderate-income students. Aligning with Hancock Whitney’s broader corporate commitment to diversity and inclusion, the pledge also expands a long-standing educational and community partnership between Hancock Whitney and USA.
“At Hancock Whitney, we believe educational opportunities secure foundations for insightful, intentional, leadership vital to ensuring safe, just, and inclusive communities for all,” said Hancock Whitney Alabama Market President Guy Helmsing. “We are proud to continue growing our relationship with the University of South Alabama by supporting a scholarship that offers financial resources for deserving young leaders in social justice to achieve their dreams and make a difference.”
Hancock Whitney recently became the Official Bank of the University of South Alabama and the exclusive provider of the USA Jags branded debit card available through the website, any local Hancock Whitney financial center, or the bank’s contact center at 1.800.448.8812. Additionally, the 25,000-seat Hancock Whitney Stadium opened for the 2020 football season as a state-of-the-art campus sports venue showcasing Jag Nation football and other athletics.
University officials said Hancock Whitney’s financial support for the Leadership in Social Justice and Perseverance Scholarship carries on a mutual commitment to creating opportunities for all people and helps foster a campus community that nurtures and celebrates diversity and inclusion and sets an example for leading and facilitating social justice initiatives.
“The University and 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile are honored to have Hancock Whitney’s support of the new scholarship fund,” said Dr. André Green, associate vice president of academic affairs at USA and president of 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile. “Investments like this will not only change the trajectory of our students’ lives, but the community’s as a whole.”
About the scholarship
Endowed in August 2020 with a $10,000 gift to USA from 100 Black Men of Greater Mobile, the Leadership in Social Justice and Perseverance Scholarship honors and remembers individuals who have fallen to systems of oppression and social injustice. Gifts to the scholarship qualify for full matching through USA’s Mitchell-Moulton Scholarship Initiative.
The annual award provides full tuition to a rising full-time USA senior with a 3.0 or higher grade-point average who is nearing completion of their degree program and who demonstrates strong servant leadership and passionate commitment to principles of perseverance, social justice, equity, access, participation, and human rights.
Interested donors can support the Leadership in Social Justice and Perseverance Scholarship by giving online at giving.southalabama.edu/socialjustice.
Eligible students can apply for the scholarship through JagSpot, USA’s online scholarship application portal, at bit.ly/usajagspot.
About the University of South Alabama
The University of South Alabama is a global teaching and research university that provides students with an exceptional education in business, the liberal arts, education, engineering, computing, the sciences and health care. USA’s commitment to student success includes small class sizes and hands-on research opportunities in more than 100 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs offered through 10 academic colleges and schools. USA offers advanced and innovative health care through the USA Health system of hospitals and clinics, as well as the College of Medicine. For more information, visit the University of South Alabama website, www.SouthAlabama.edu.
About Hancock Whitney
Since the late 1800s, Hancock Whitney has embodied core values of Honor & Integrity, Strength & Stability, Commitment to Service, Teamwork, and Personal Responsibility. BauerFinancial, Inc., consistently recommends Hancock Whitney as one of America’s strongest, safest financial institutions. Part of the Hancock Whitney Corporation Gulf South financial services family, bank 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, as well as trust and asset management offices in New Jersey and New York. More information is available at hancockwhitney.com.
Hancock Whitney Media Contact
Paul Maxwell, Vice President, Senior Communications Officer
paul.maxwell@hancockwhitney.com
228.867.8690
University of South Alabama Media Contact
Julie A. Jackson, Director of Communications for Development & Alumni Relations
251.461.1341