Date: March 9, 2010
Contact: Carol Connelly, Director, Media & Communication Services, ext. 5267, cconnelly@pnc.edu

PNC College Bound Gains First Trust Credit Union as a Contributor

First Trust Credit Union President and CEO Ronald J. Budzinski (right), presents check in support of PNC College Bound to PNC Chancellor Dr. James B. Dworkin Download photo here

WESTVILLE – The Purdue University North Central College Bound program recently received a contribution from First Trust Credit Union in Michigan City, in support of the program that makes a PNC education available to qualifying students from the Michigan City Area Schools.

“First Trust Credit Union has served the education employees and our La Porte County communities for more than 50 years. Education initiatives, like Purdue North Central's College Bound program, are extremely important to the current and future economic health of La Porte County and we believe strongly that every student deserves the opportunity to pursue a college education,” said First Trust Credit Union President and CEO Ronald J. Budzinski. “First Trust Credit Union is proud to be a community financial partner for such an important program.”

The PNC College Bound program has been in place in the Michigan City Area Schools since the 2005 – 2006 academic year. Today, those original students are high school seniors. In total, 91 Michigan City students are participating in the College Bound program.

The College Bound program grew to include LaPorte Community School Corp. in 2006. Today, 126 LaPorte Students are involved with College Bound, including one senior who transferred from Michigan City . Portage Township Schools became part of College Bound with the 2009 – 2010 academic year with 36 eighth graders.

In total, 253 students are enrolled in the College Bound programs in three school systems.

Teachers, principals and guidance counselors nominate high-achieving seventh grade students for the PNC College Bound program. Eligibility requirements ask that participants be first-generation students who have the potential to succeed at PNC. Family income, student academics and test scores are also considered. From eighth grade through high school graduation, students have the benefit of PNC mentors and a variety of enrichment activities to inspire them to excel.

“We are honored that First Trust Credit Union has put its faith in PNC College Bound and our Michigan City Area School students,” said PNC Chancellor Dr. James B. Dworkin. “It is encouraging to know that a college education is available to these students thanks to our generous College Bound donors. We look forward to seeing our first class of College Bound students on the PNC campus in the fall. These students will become the first in their families to go on to college. We know that earning a baccalaureate degree will enhance their career possibilities and earning potential, but they will also become positive role models for others in their families, in their schools and in the community.”

PNC College Bound is funded solely by donations. The donors include: Alcoa Foundation, Kris A. and Alicia Bloos, Dent Family Foundation, Thomas W. Dent, First Trust Federal Credit Union, Horizon Bank, Dr. Peter and Charlene Kessling, Kingsbury Elevator, Inc., La Porte Regional Health System, La Porte Savings Bank, Michigan City Community Enrichment Corp., NiSource Charitable Foundation, Sisters of St. Francis Health Services, St. Anthony Memorial, Sullair Corp. and Tonn & Blank Construction.

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