Simmons Bank gifts $2.5 million to fund UAPB athletics
by May 23, 2018 8:54 am 373 views
Pine Bluff-based Simmons Bank is investing in its hometown college.
On Tuesday (May 22), Simmons announced a $2.5 million gift for upgrades to the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff’s football and baseball athletics facilities. The gift is the largest in UAPB history and will fund a new football stadium scoreboard and turf, along with completion of the baseball pavilion at the Torii Hunter Baseball and Softball Complex.
The gift is pending UA Systems Board of Trustees approval at its May 23-24 meeting.
“On behalf of UAPB faculty, staff, students and alumni, I’d like to express our appreciation to Simmons Bank for its generous gift,” said UAPB Chancellor Laurence B. Alexander. “This donation will directly benefit our student-athletes by assisting them in reaching and exceeding their athletic and academic performance goals.”
“Simmons is honored to partner with UAPB to help students excel right here in our hometown of Pine Bluff,” said George A. Makris, Jr., chairman and CEO of Simmons First National Corp. “There is nothing more rewarding for our bank than the opportunity to invest in our communities, especially in our young people.”
UAPB Interim Director of Athletics Alyse Wells-Kilbert added, “We are grateful to Simmons Bank for its long-standing partnership with UAPB, and more specifically, this major gift that will allow us to complete much needed upgrades. These improvements will benefit our student-athletes and create a better fan experience during football and baseball games.”
The event was followed by a tailgate-style reception.