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First Citizens Bank funds CU Business EDGE

January 31, 2018

First Citizens Bank has partnered with Clemson University with a three-year, $60,000 contribution to the College of Business. This donation will fund CU Business EDGE (Engage Students in Development and Global Experiences), a new program that pairs students’ educational experience with a variety of engaging activities that will sharpen their soft skills and help differentiate them in the job market. First Citizens also has announced it is contributing an additional $40,000 toward construction of the new business school, expected to be completed in January of 2020.

First Citizens’ contribution will fully fund CU Business EDGE, allowing the program to improve and expand initiatives such as etiquette dinners, workshops, and other career oriented events.  “First Citizens stepping up like this will help our students become more well-rounded and competitive,” Helen Diamond Steele, director of student enrichment for the business college, said. “This partnership is going to provide us the wherewithal to deliver these programs on a larger scale.”

Chuck Perry, an ’84 graduate of Clemson’s business college and the area executive for First Citizens Bank, believes that the partnership between First Citizens and Clemson will not only enrich development opportunities for students, but also open a talent pipeline for his employer.

“In supporting Clemson’s next generation of talent, First Citizens is hoping this partnership will make a difference in students’ lives and, of course, their careers,” said Perry, of Clemson. “We are well aware of the caliber of student the Clemson business college graduates, and we hope this connection will also make them more aware of the career opportunities First Citizens Bank has to offer.”