This July, the Wells Fargo Foundation awarded the College of Charleston a grant of $100,000 that is purposed to grow the Wells Fargo Business Scholarship. Created by the bank in 1998, the Wells Fargo Business Scholarship annually supports two students majoring in the College’s School of Business who are planning to pursue careers in finance or banking upon receiving their degrees.

(Left to Right) Alan Shao, Len Hutchison, and College of Charleston President Glenn McConnell

(Left to Right) Alan Shao, Len Hutchison, and College of Charleston President Glenn McConnell

“Wells Fargo is one of the most ardent and longstanding supporters of our finance programs,” says Alan Shao, dean of the School of Business. “The scholarships that they have made possible through their corporate endowment give us the opportunity to continually support top talented business students. A simple ‘thank you’ is not enough to express our appreciation for Wells Fargo’s partnership.”

“Quality education is the most important investment we can make for our future and that of coming generations,” says Len Hutchison, senior vice president, Charleston market president, Wells Fargo. “Wells Fargo is proud of its many years of supporting College of Charleston students, and we are especially excited about our scholarship in the School of Business. It allows us to play a role in supporting students who have great potential for success in the finance and banking industries, and our recent gift will expand that impact.”

Wells Fargo is among the College of Charleston’s most longstanding corporate donors. The bank, both in its recent years as Wells Fargo and in the past as predecessors Wachovia and First Union, has demonstrated a consistent track record of philanthropy to the institution that dates back to the mid-1980s. Its philanthropic support has helped to fund the construction of the Marlene and Nathan Addlestone Library and the Beatty Center. Additionally, the bank has created three endowed funds that support mission-critical programs and opportunities in multiple areas of the college. These include the Wells Fargo Business Scholarship, the Wells Fargo Distinguished Lecture Series that is a signature element of the Carolina Lowcountry and Atlantic World Program, and a student internship in the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture. Wells Fargo also supports the College’s athletics program by making an annual Cougar Club gift.