Bank Independent Honors Recipients Of Una's Mauldin Scholarship

Nov. 04, 2016

Michelle Eubanks, UNA, at media@una.edu, 256.765.4392 or 256.606.2033

Muscle Shoals, Ala. - Thursday, November 3, 2016 -Six University of North Alabama students were recognized by representatives from Bank Independent and UNA on October 28 as the 2016 recipients of the Edward Fennel Mauldin Endowed Scholarship. Freshman Jeremy Fuller of Sheffield, freshman Gabrielle Ward of Decatur, and graduate student Olivia Beavers of Killen were honored as first-time scholarship recipients. Sophomore Ben Ish of Rogersville and graduate student Shelby Heathcoat of Florence accepted the scholarship for the second year, and senior Brittany Michael of Florence was honored as a fourth-year scholarship recipient. Bank Independent President Macke Mauldin congratulated the students on their achievements, explaining that his father, the late Edward F. Mauldin, never graduated from college, but was a lifelong learner who deeply appreciated the value of the college experience. Mauldin added that his father believed that any exposure to college was better than none at all. Scholarship recipient Fuller, who is majoring in environmental biology, expressed his gratitude for being selected, saying "Originally I wasn't going to go to college. Now, with this scholarship, I can." "My challenge to our recipients today is to pay it forward," said Mauldin. "Remember what we and others have done for you and pass that kindness along to others." UNA President Dr. Ken Kitts congratulated the students on their accomplishments and thanked the Mauldin family and Bank Independent for establishing the endowed scholarship in the name of Edward Mauldin. "What does it mean to be a premier southern university?" Kitts asked. "You have to have great friends, supporters, employees and students like those in attendance today." Kitts echoed Mauldin's instructions to the students, saying, "You have in your future the capacity to do for others. Your obligation from now on is to pay it forward." About Bank Independent Since 1947, Bank Independent has taken pride in serving the customers who count on us to be there for them when they need us most. With 28 branches across north Alabama, we're committed to providing the best service, designing the most desired products and creating an overall excellent experience for each and every customer. As a local community bank, we believe in building relationships that run deep and that last. All of our employees reside in our local communities, and, just like Bank Independent, believe in giving back. To become part of a bank that is Radically Original in all that it does, visit us at https://www.bibank.com/. ###