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Sept. 9,
2008
LIVINGSTON,
Ala.--The
University of West Alabama recently accepted a gift
of $150,000 from Regions Bank to “The University We
Will Be” campaign for UWA. The contribution will
support UWA’s Center for the Study of the Black
Belt, which fosters greater appreciation and
understanding of Alabama’s Black Belt and its
regional culture.
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UWA accepted a large gift from
Regions Bank at the September board of
trustees meeting. Pictured at the
presentation are, from left, President
Richard D. Holland; Edward S. McCurdy
Jr., Regions Bank West Alabama area
president; Clemit Spruiell, vice
president of institutional advancement;
Dr. Ken Tucker, president of the UWA
Foundation Board of Directors and
business dean; and Fred Walburn, Regions
Bank Livingston community banker. |
“This institution has had a partnership with Regions
for many years, and we appreciate their support of
‘The University We Will Be’ campaign,” said
President Richard D. Holland. “Currently, we have
raised more than $5 million in gifts and pledges,
and we look forward to the continued success of the
University and our fund-raising initiative.”
Regions Bank West Alabama Area President Edward S.
McCurdy Jr., says he was delighted to be able to
offer this contribution on behalf of Regions.
“Through our giving, we hope to continue to show
our support for not only education, but for the
communities we serve,” McCurdy said. “Both Regions
Bank and The University of West Alabama are strong
pillars in this area, and we are proud to support
UWA. We hope these funds will be used to further the
mission of the Center for the Study of the Black
Belt.”
Established in 2005, the Center encourages both
scholars and the region’s residents to think about
the Black Belt and to rethink the ideas they have
already formed about this region. UWA believes the
Black Belt, with its rich history, economic
difficulties and traditional culture, provides
endless opportunities for scholars, musicians,
artists, government officials and others to come
together to find solutions to its challenges and to
celebrate its success stories.
The
Center for the Study of the Black Belt coordinates a
variety of initiatives that promote public
involvement in the region. These projects include
the Sucarnochee Folklife Festival and BBQ & Blues
Cook-off, Black Belt Symposia, the Black Belt
Museum, the Black Belt Garden, the Sucarnochee
Revue, the Sucarnochee Hall of Fame, the Community
Gathering for Arts and Creative Education, the Black
Belt Conservation Research Institute and
publications through the Livingston Press.
“The
University We Will Be” campaign is an ongoing
initiative to raise $15 million in gifts and pledges
by 2011 for The University of West Alabama. These
funds will improve campus facilities, provide
additional scholarships, enhance the campus learning
environment, support the faculty and fund community
outreach projects. For more information about the
campaign, please contact
the UWA Development Office at 205-652-3533. |
