Cornèr Bank (Overseas) Limited is proud to announce a $20,000 scholarship donation to the University of The Bahamas (UB), supporting aspiring Bahamian artists. The Cornèr Bank Direct Art Scholarship Award, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding signed on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, will benefit eligible undergraduate students pursuing a full-time Associate of Arts degree in Art.
 
Cornèr Bank's Chief Executive Officer, Christine Russell, expressed the bank's commitment to fostering opportunities for the youth, “As a great supporter of young Bahamians, Cornèr Bank is very happy to collaborate with UB to implement the ‘Cornèr Bank Direct Art Scholarship Award’. We believe in creating opportunities for our youth to thrive in whatever field they choose to pursue. Being avid art lovers ourselves, we saw this as a great opportunity to positively impact young people through education and the arts.”
 
Russell continued, "Through the implementation of the 'Cornèr Bank Direct Art Scholarship Award,' we will enable 10 students per year over the next four years to purchase much-needed art supplies. We remain committed to investing in our local community and nation-building, and as such, on behalf of the Board of Cornèr Bank (Overseas) Ltd. and its management, we are extremely pleased to make this donation to the University’s College of Liberal & Fine Arts. We trust that this is just the beginning of a beautiful and long-lasting relationship between Cornèr Bank and the University of the Bahamas.”
 
Acting UB President, Janyne Hodder, acknowledged Cornèr Bank's pivotal role in supporting the university's mission and the transformative potential of private donors. 
 
“As the national higher education provider, UB has been offering academic degrees for nearly 50 years,” said President Hodder. “Our mandate is enshrined by law and we are publicly funded by the government and the people of The Bahamas. Cornèr Bank recognizes, though, that the work of national development and supporting the best and brightest in our country cannot be done with public funds alone, and requires committed donors. 
 
It’s long been my view that adequate public support of universities is essential. What makes us grow from good to great is the support of private donors,” said President Hodder.
 
Kishan Munroe, Assistant Professor of Art and Art Education and Head of Visual Arts & Design, expressed gratitude for the bank's significant investment in the nation's educational nucleus. 
 
“Your investment holds significant importance, and I am confident that it will profoundly influence the nucleus of this nation in terms of education and academic growth. This support will play a pivotal role in advancing our Visual Arts and Design program, guiding it towards continued excellence,” said Munroe. “We are very thankful for your contribution to our continued growth and success.”
 
Cornèr Bank, with its legacy of making a positive impact, seeks to establish a tradition of supporting future generations of leaders through initiatives like the Cornèr Bank Direct Art Scholarship Award.
 
Group Photo: (L-R): Mauro Casu, Head of Operations, Cornèr Bank; Orazio Defilippis, Head of Wealth, Cornèr Bank; Christine Russell, Cornèr Bank Chief Executive Officer; Janyne Hodder, UB Acting President; Jhanaisia Cole, art student; Kishan Munroe, UB Assistant Professor of Art & Art Education Head, Visual Arts & Design; Dino Hernandez, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Alumni Affairs; Kandice Weech-Eldon, Executive Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations.