TowneBank Partners with Hampton University
The TowneBank Trophy Suite at Armstrong Stadium officially opened in September of 2023. Cutting the ribbon are (l. to r.) Tom Hasty, Alexis Swann, Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams, First Lady Myra R. Williams, and Hampton University Director of Athletics Anthony D. Henderson, Sr.
Let’s go Pirates! Last April, TowneBank announced a historic contribution to Hampton University. Through this $1 million gift, TowneBank will enhance its ongoing partnership with the university through new initiatives with the Department of Athletics and Office of Career Services.
“This gift marks the largest grant between TowneBank and an HBCU,” says Alexis Swann, president of TowneBank Peninsula and Williamsburg. “We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate and find new, strategic ways to enhance our relationship with Hampton University.”
As a premier institution of higher learning, Hampton University seeks to partner with corporations to bring real-world experiences to students through professional interactions, internships, and workforce opportunities. “We commend Hampton University for its dedication to preparing students for positions of leadership and service,” says Tom Hasty, TowneBank senior executive vice president and chief regulatory risk management officer and recipient of the 2022 Hampton University Outstanding Alumnus-at-Large award. “Working alongside Hampton helps us to leverage the diversity that exists in our community to ensure that our workforce accurately reflects that diversity.”
TowneBank has participated in on-site career fairs at Hampton University for several years. In addition, Towne partners with the Office of Career Services to communicate information about professional development opportunities, including internships and the LEAD professional development program, even hosting an alumni panel featuring Tom Hasty and Terry Parker, both of whom found careers at TowneBank after graduating from Hampton. “We are thrilled to find new ways to involve Hampton University students in various opportunities at TowneBank,” says Meredith Elliott, TowneBank senior vice president and LEAD program manager.
“We value students from a variety of fields of study – not just finance, accounting, and economics. We want to talk to students from all academic backgrounds, including IT, communications, marketing, and business administration. At the end of the day, we want to talk with those who truly care about people – that is what we are looking for in the next generation of talent at TowneBank.”
Hampton University Vice President for Advancement Evelyn Graham said, “Words cannot express our gratitude for TowneBank’s generosity. We know that they will be thrilled with the caliber of our students, the excellence of our operations, and the engagement of our faculty through this partnership.”
The grant also directed funds toward the installation of the TowneBank Trophy Suite at Armstrong Stadium. The newly renovated suite was unveiled at a ribbon cutting before the first home football game on September 9, 2023. Athletics Director Anthony Henderson indicated that funding would also be used to establish a sideline injury tent for football athletics, and it would support the “Pirate on the Move” travel campaign for athletic events away from the university. Mr. Henderson says, “We thank TowneBank so much for their generous contribution. It is partners like them that make our work possible. We look forward to building on this amazing relationship.”
Learn more about Hampton University at HamptonU.edu.