Contact: Carl Nathe

“We sincerely appreciate this five-year commitment from National City to help our outstanding students in the Gatton College. Our high-achieving students must not be denied the opportunity to pursue their dreams due to financial challenges. We are fortunate to have a friend like National City who recognizes the importance of higher education.”

-- Lee T. Todd Jr.,
president,
University of Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky. (March 30, 2005) -- A unique program providing students both financial assistance and hands-on learning was announced today by the University of Kentucky and National City Bank.

The National City Business Scholars program provides up to $10,000 in scholarship money and the potential to be selected for a summer employment experience after the junior and senior years – Summer Scholars – valued at $4,000 each summer. Initially, the program is being offered to students in UK’s Gatton College of Business and Economics, along with business school students at the University of Louisville, Eastern Kentucky University, and Western Kentucky University.

It is hoped the program will aid in keeping Kentucky’s best and brightest business students in the state after graduation. This scholars program is the first of its kind in any of the seven states where National City operates.

“Our program is unique in that it offers scholarship dollars, the opportunity for summer business experience, and great networking opportunities within the professional setting,” said Chuck Denny, president and CEO of National City Bank of Kentucky. “We are excited to offer this opportunity to students in participation with these particular universities. We've had a history of good relationships with them over the years and this program serves to strengthen those relationships.”

At a formal announcement ceremony held today, UK President Lee T. Todd Jr. expressed his appreciation to National City. “We sincerely appreciate this five-year commitment from National City to help our outstanding students in the Gatton College. Our high-achieving students must not be denied the opportunity to pursue their dreams due to financial challenges.” Todd added, “ We are fortunate to have a friend like National City who recognizes the importance of higher education.”  

Students who are in the spring semester of their sophomore year and have a demonstrated financial need are eligible to apply. They must also have a cumulative 3.0 grade point average (GPA) and be majoring in business, finance, economics, or other business-related field. The $2,500 scholarship is renewable for four semesters after selection for a potential total of $10,000 over the course of two years.

Applicants will be selected based on financial need, community service, campus involvement, academic honors, and work history. The 2005 scholarship recipients will be announced this June and the Summer Scholars job component of the program will begin in May 2006. Summer Scholars applicants must comply with the standard National City employment requirements.

More information about National City can be found on the company’s Web site.