The contribution represents the first installment on a pledge of continuing support for the next five years from SunTrust. The check also marks SunTrust’s first such gift to the Catamount Club, and it is the first time a financial institution has contributed to the club, Childers said. “SunTrust is interested in developing a relationship with Western Carolina University and helping it grow,” he said.

With the commitment, SunTrust will become the official sponsor of Western’s Annual Student-Athlete Awards Banquet. The gifts also will be used for general athletic scholarship support, professional development for staff and other programmatic support to benefit student-athletes, said Chip Smith, director of athletics.

“Through the contributions of individuals and corporations such as the major commitment made by our friends at SunTrust North Carolina, we can continue to make improvements in our athletics program, and provide the support and facilities that our student-athletes deserve,” Smith said.

The pledge comes as the university is in the midst of The Campaign for Western, a three-year effort to raise $40 million in private support for scholarships, professorships and programmatic resources. The first comprehensive fundraising campaign in university history was officially launched in February after an initial “silent phase.”

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Last modified: Thursday, August 23, 2007