People's Bank provides Fairfield University scholarships to two Bridgeport students

People's Bank provides Fairfield University scholarships to two Bridgeport students

Fairfield University students M. Isabel Torres and Danielle Spears have been chosen to receive People's Bank scholarships for the year 2004-2005. The scholarships are given each year to Bridgeport residents who can establish a financial need.

"People's Bank has been an integral part of the Fairfield County community since its founding in 1842," said Barbara Johnson, senior vice president, Corporate Community Relations. "Education is key to the future of our youth, and People's Bank is pleased, through our scholarships, to make higher education more affordable for two very bright young women."

Image: M Torres Torres is the recipient of the $8,900 People's Bank Minority Scholarship. The sophomore nursing major plans to work in a pediatrics hospital setting when she graduates. A member of the nursing club and the Model United Nations Club, she has also participated in student government at Fairfield University, serving on the student senate in her freshman year.

Torres said the scholarship is a big help.

"In order to experience and appreciate education in general, it's always of help," Torres said.

Junior Danielle Spears has been awarded the Thomas P. Legen '78 Memorial Scholarship of $2,500. Spears transferred to Fairfield University this year from Pennsylvania's Temple University. She was looking for a university with a smaller class size that could provide more one-on-one attention.

Image: D Spears Spears is a member of UMOJA, a campus organization of African-American and Caribbean students, and wants to join the intramural basketball team. A biology major, she plans to attend medical school after graduating, to become a pediatrician.

The Legen Scholarship is named for the late Thomas P. Legen, a former senior officer at People's Bank and summa cum laude graduate of Fairfield University, who passed away in 1994 of pneumonia.

"Financial assistance continues to be a priority for Fairfield. The fact that People's Bank established this endowment to benefit Bridgeport multicultural students makes it very special to me," said Cathleen Borgman, Director of Corporate Relations at Fairfield University. "We are grateful to People's for their interest in assisting local students."

Posted On: 11-22-2004 10:11 AM

Volume: 37 Number: 101