The First Bank Donates $75,000 to Bishop State Community College!

 

From left: The First Banks' Ira Bates, John Erwin, and C. Jerome Brown present a $75,000 donation to Bishop State President Olivier Charles, Bishop State Community College Foundation Chairman Clinton Johnson, Jr., and Dean of Students Dr. Carl Cunningham. 

(MOBILE, Alabama)

May 31, 2024 – The First Bank has donated $75,000 to Bishop State Community

College for scholarships and program support as part of a major giving campaign launched by the bank for historically black colleges and universities across the southeast.

The donation, accepted through the Bishop State Community College Foundation, will create The First Bank Endowed Scholarship, assist Bishop State’s Scholars Bowl program, as well as provide student services and athletics program support. “This significant level of investment will have far-reaching impacts on our students, enhancing their educational opportunities and college experience,” said Bishop State president, Olivier Charles. “We are deeply grateful to The First Bank for recognizing and supporting the contributions that HBCUs make across the nation.”

Bishop State dean of students, Dr. Carl Cunningham, said the donation will provide the Scholars Bowl program the resources it needs to excel. Bishop State hosts high school competitions and has its own team of college students who compete regionally. "Participating in the Scholars Bowl not only enriches academic knowledge and prepares students for future success, but it also fosters critical thinking, teamwork and confidence," said Cunningham.

The donation will also support Bishop State’s athletics programs and student services. Cunningham added that this support will further enrich the student experience and provide diversified opportunities for student engagement.

The new $20,000 endowed scholarship fund “will provide enduring support for our students, ensuring that generations to come can access quality education,” said Clinton Johnson, Jr., chairman of the Bishop State Community College Foundation. “These funds empower students to focus on their academic and personal growth, creating a lasting legacy of opportunity and success.”

As part of the philanthropic campaign, The First Bank awarded $1 million to 12 historically black colleges and universities across Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia and Florida. “At The First Bank, we are proud to support higher education institutions like Bishop State Community College who are working diligently to provide equal access to educational opportunities and enrich the unique cultural heritage that forms the fabric of the culture in South Alabama,” said Jerome Brown, chief community officer for The First Bank. “By providing scholarships and enriching athletic programs and student services, more students will have the opportunity to pursue higher education, build financial security and engage with their peers.”

                                                

For more information, contact Courtney Steele, Director of Marketing and Public Relations. (Direct) 251-405-7135  Email: csteele@bishop.edu

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The Life and Legacy of Dr. Yvonne Kennedy

(MOBILE, Ala.)--Often referred to as the “Black Jackie Onassis” for her style and grace, the state of Alabama is mourning the loss of Dr. Yvonne Kennedy who passed away Saturday following a brief illness.  Yvonne Kennedy, known for her eloquent, refined Southern demeanor, passed away exactly one month to the day prior to what would have been her 68th birthday, January 8th.

Her standards of excellence extended beyond the halls of the Alabama legislature. For 25 years, she rose to prominence and became the President for Bishop State Junior College in Mobile and then later the National President of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. A woman who wore many hats, Dr. Kennedy is also being remembered for her work as past chairwoman of the Alabama Legislative Black Caucus. 

Yvonne Kennedy

Yvonne Kennedy lived in the community she loved and worked hard to become a 'beacon of hope" for the people in her community.  She believed in her community because she was committed to the belief "change comes from the inside-out, not the outside in." Her life was a testimony of her beliefs because she worked hard in expanding the Mobile Community and bringing a quality education, health care and the right to vote to ex-felons incarcerated in the state of Alabama.   

Yvonne Kennedy, a woman Mobile Mayor Sam Jones called a "pillar of the community and will be remembered for her leadership and commitment to the city.

Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley remembered Kennedy in a tweet. "She was a fine lady who represented her district well," he wrote. Bentley is expected to call a special election in the coming week to fill Kennedy's seat.

A longtime state representative, she was elected to the state house in 1979. Kennedy was the second permanent president of Bishop State Community College, appointed in 1981 after its namesake Sanford D. Bishop, Senior.  She has been credited with overseeing major growth to the campus. She retired from this position amid a financial scandal in 2006.

She will be greatly missed by me and many other Black professional women who always had her as "the best example" of how to be a lady in the mist of a male dominate business and political world.  She was instrumental in giving me an early start in my career as a journalist following high school.  Dr. Yvonne Kennedy also encouraged me to "strive for excellence" in everything and for that I'm eternally grateful.

Dr. Yvonne Kennedy, a tireless servant of the people who rose in the national spotlight, but never forgot where she came from because she never left.  

CLICK HERE TO VIEW MULTIPLE SERVICES FOR DR. KENNEDY

http://blog.al.com/live/2012/12/multiple_services_planned_to_c.html#incart_m-rpt-2