FROM STAFF REPORTS

Thirteen University of Alabama students, including an Alabaster resident, were recognized as Wells Fargo First Generation Scholars in a recent campus luncheon.

Wells Fargo recently donated $135,000 to the University to be awarded for student scholarships. Since 2008, the company has provided UA $535,000 in scholarship support, benefiting 38 students who are the first in their families to attend college.

“Wells Fargo’s investment of more than $500,000 in scholarships for first generation students at The University of Alabama over the last several years has not only enhanced the University but significantly touched the lives of these scholarship recipients,” said Bob Pierce, UA vice president for advancement.

“These contributions literally make it possible for some of these students to receive a college education, and there are very few ways to change our communities and our nation for the better than to ensure we have more college graduates,” Pierce said. “The fact these particular students have the opportunity to receive a premier education from UA is just icing on the cake.”

“Wells Fargo proudly supports these outstanding students who are the first in their families to attend college,” said Leigh Collier, mid-south region president at Wells Fargo. “We know this group of Wells Fargo Scholars is well on the way to future success.”

Students awarded the scholarships this year, include:

Marissa Baker, of Tuscaloosa; Cortez Burney, of Tuscaloosa; Andreshe’A Caldwell, of Birmingham; Destiny Farrow, of Gulf Shores; Nicholas Lewis, of  Orlando, Florida; Elizabeth McGehee, of Bessemer; Ryan Morich, of Perth, Australia; Mitchell Partlow, of Ashville; Kiara Perry, of Alabaster; Elissa Robinson, of Morton, Illinois; Luke Stone, of Grove Oak;  Samone Thompson, of Anniston; and Kenneth Todd, of Ashford.