SHEFFIELD — Bank Independent and the University of North Alabama have teamed up to provide students at the college with a substantial academic scholarship. Six undergraduates were selected by representatives from the bank and school to receive the Edward Fennel Mauldin Endowed Scholarship.
Undergraduate students receiving scholarships were Henry Ajualip Huarcas, freshman, computer science; Ashton D. Bright, sophomore, criminaljustice; Kadi A. Norato, junior, nursing; and Devin Wesley Riggs, senior, psychology. Graduate recipients included Colton C. Marquart, MBA, and Anya A. Smith, elementary education.
“We want the scholarship recipients to know they’re not alone in this journey,” said Mauldin. “You have the opportunity — and the responsibility — to pay forward the support you’re receiving from the University of North Alabama and Bank Independent.
“When you have the chance to help someone else, take it and know that our entire team of 700 team members is here to support you on your journey.”
UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts thanked Bank Independent and the Mauldins for their generosity.
“Our partnership with Bank Independent and the Mauldin family is a celebration of academic excellence and a relationship that has grown tremendously over the years,” said Kitts. “From financial support and event sponsorships to Bank Independent leaders serving on university boards and committees, the impact is evident across our campus.
“We are deeply grateful for all that Bank Independent does to support our students and community.”
The scholarship is named after the late Edward F. Mauldin, the father of the Bank Independent president. The elder Mauldin never graduated from college but, according to his son, it did not limit him from success. Macke said his father believed that “any exposure to college was better than no exposure at all.”
