Feb. 9, 2007

A pair of Presbyterian College students earned two of seven scholarships awarded this week by the Young Bankers Division of the S.C. Bankers Association.

PC juniors Wilson Davis and Justine Schwindel each earned scholarships from the SCBA during a banker orientation program Wednesday in Columbia. The scholarships are awarded annually to rising seniors from South Carolina who are enrolled in business administration and have a strong interest in the financial industry.

A native of Kershaw, Davis is majoring in business administration with a concentration in management. The son of Robert and Faithe Davis of Kershaw, he is the treasurer and scholarship chair of his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Order, and helped lead his chapter to win the Ammen Chair Award last year for being one of the best 12 chapters in the country. Davis also serves on the college's Interfraternity Council and is a representative in the Student Government Association.

Schwindel, the daughter of John and Angela Schwindel of Murrells Inlet, is a graduate of West Florence High School and also a business administration major with a concentration in management. She is the vice president, service chair, and spirit chair of her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, and involved in the group's philanthropy – the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure to advance breast cancer research. A member of the Blue Hose cheerleading squad, Schwindel also is vice president of PC's Society for the Advancement of Management. She is also a volunteer at the Presbyterian Home in Clinton and works with elementary school children.

Dr. Jody Lipford, chair of the college's economics and business administration department, said Davis and Schwindel were ideal choices for the Young Bankers scholarships.

"Wilson and Justine were nominated because they are outstanding students – in and outside the classroom," he said. "For this scholarship, we always look for students who are academically sound and also outgoing and well-rounded. We believe these characteristics lead to success in banking careers – and other careers too, of course. The S.C. Bankers Association seems to agree."

Both students pointed to their experiences in the economics and business administration department as keys to the scholarships – and their futures.

"The professors of the business department have made it possible for me to obtain this award," said Davis. "They make countless opportunities available for students and strive to continuously educate us – not only in the classroom but also through various campus activities such as field trips, business clubs, one-on-one meetings, and allowing alumni to come to campus to speak. I am truly grateful to Presbyterian College's wonderful staff in helping me receive this honor."

Schwindel said the scholarship award will spur her to work even harder in class – and has her thinking seriously about a career in the banking industry.

"I definitely see a future in banking after graduation and possibly graduate school," she said. "There were some enlightening presentations at the Banking Orientation Program (on Wednesday) and the area of marketing and public relations really piques my interest. It was highlighted as one of the nine topics discussed by the speakers and I can see myself thoroughly enjoying that line of work. The Young Bankers scholarship influences my decisions for the future because the S.C. Bankers Association has given me several resources to learn more about the industry and they honestly care about educating us to be the leaders of tomorrow."

Both students pointed also to their choice of college as an influence in their lives.

"The best education at Presbyterian College is learned through the school's values," said Davis. "PC instills in every student the themes of responsibility and accountability. A degree from PC not only means one received an outstanding education but also that one seeks to lead a life through moral values.

"It was no surprise to me that a PC alumnus, Andy Douglas (president and chief retail officer for the Palmetto Bank), was given the task during the SCBA banking orientation to talk about ethics and leadership. During Mr. Douglas' speech, he used two quotes that embody the spirit and teachings of PC. The first quote was, 'Character is who you are when no one is looking.' The second quote was by Mahatma Ghandi – 'You must be the change you wish to see in the world.' These are ideas that Presbyterian College teaches within college life in order that students become well-rounded citizens."

Like Davis, Schwindel also thanked her professors impacting her college career and future plans.

"It is difficult to explain in words how much these professors have done for me," she said, "from staying after class, answering countless e-mails, planning amazing Maymester courses, having late night study sessions, setting up incredible internships, and most importantly, being mentors and guiding us to be as successful as possible."

In turn, Davis and Schwindel have made it six out of the last eight years that PC students have earned the Young Bankers scholarships – a streak Lipford is very proud of.

"I think winning this scholarship so many times says PC gets some quality students," he said. "But I think it also says that PC in general and our department specifically do a lot to develop these students. We challenge them in the classroom and they respond.

"These are the kind of students to whom the S.C. Bankers Association wants to award scholarships. These are the kind of students who banks and others want to hire. These are the kind of students who will make a contribution to their employers and communities after leaving PC. We are proud to have them."

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