Fleischer Scholars Program Receives Boost From Generations Bank

Photo by Ryan Versey

Students in the Fleischer Spirit Scholars Program met Generations Bank representatives Michael Shelton from the Camden branch, Bryn Bagwell from the Fayetteville branch and August Rusher from the Rogers branch during their summer program June 17-22.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Generations Bank has pledged $100,000 to the Fleischer Spirit Scholars Program in the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas. The gift will provide support over a five-year period for two low-income, first-generation college students living in Arkansas who are interested in pursuing degrees in business. The gift counts toward Campaign Arkansas, the university’s $1.25 billion capital campaign.

The Fleischer Spirit Scholars Program fosters commitment and entrepreneurial growth for Arkansas communities. It was established by Morton H. Fleischer, co-founder and chair of STORE Capital Corp. (NYSE:STOR).

The scholarships funded by Generations Bank will give preference to students from Washington and Benton Counties and Calhoun and Ouachita Counties, as well as the community of Junction City.

“Thanks to Generations Bank, more promising students will be able to take advantage of an academic program that gives back to Arkansas communities as it helps the students to grow and learn,” said Matthew A. Waller, dean of the Sam M. Walton College of Business. “By investing in our students, Generations Bank is investing in the future of Arkansas.”

The Fleischer Spirit Scholars Program enables high school juniors and seniors in Arkansas to attend a week-long summer bridge program while living in residence halls on campus. Those who enroll in the Walton College also receive tuition support and mentorship for four years. Walton College hosts this program and provides support during the students’ summer stay, as well as partnerships between student and faculty mentors during their undergraduate studies.

During the summer bridge program, Fleischer Scholars receive hands-on learning opportunities with faculty and community business leaders. The program offers business startup and development steps in an academic setting to expose students to the business realm and allows them to explore potential career paths. It also includes college preparation courses with a focus on ACT college assessments. The students work collaboratively on case-study-driven projects that require the composition and presentation of business plans. They also participate in workshops and hear from guest speakers from the local business community.

“Generations Bank is committed to investing in high school students within our markets through the University of Arkansas Fleischer Scholars Program,” said Jon Harrell, Generations Bank chairman of the board. “Our contribution will help support high school students as they further their educations and become the innovators and business leaders of tomorrow in their communities.”

Generations Bank is the sixth Arkansas bank to support the Fleischer Scholars Program, joining Bear State Bank, Signature Bank, Bank of England, Citizens Bank and First Arkansas Bank and Trust.

About Generations Bank: Generations Bank, formerly First Bank, is an Arkansas community bank with nine locations in South and Northwest Arkansas, serving the communities and surrounding areas of Camden, East Camden, Hampton, Junction City, Rogers, Siloam Springs, Van Buren and Fayetteville. Jon Harrell, chairman of the board, represents the fifth generation of the Harrell family to lead the bank.

About Campaign Arkansas: Campaign Arkansas is the ongoing capital campaign for the University of Arkansas to raise private gift support for the university’s academic mission and other key priorities. The campaign’s goal is to raise $1.25 billion to support academic and need-based scholarships, technology enhancements, new and renovated facilities, undergraduate, graduate and faculty research, study abroad opportunities and other innovative programs. The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in a wide spectrum of disciplines as it works to fulfill its public land-grant mission to serve Arkansas and beyond as a partner, resource and catalyst.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.