First State Bank donates $50,000 for VSU international study abroadscholarships

Valdosta State University's Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration is the recipient of a $50,000 endowment from First State Bank. The gift will fund the First State Bank International Study Abroad Scholarship for VSU business students who are studying business in foreign countries.

David Durland, President of First State Bank, presented the check to VSU President Ronald M. Zaccari, Langdale College Dean Ralph Allen and Vice President for University Advancement Scott Sikes on Wednesday, Aug. 16, at the bank's branch at Bemiss and Inner Perimeter Roads.

"One of our initiatives has been to develop ways for our students to study abroad to learn about international business," said Dean Ralph Allen. According to Allen, opportunities to study abroad exist in countries such as England, France, Germany, and China; however, students often do not have the finances to take advantage of such opportunities. Students can learn a lot in a classroom, said Allen, but studying abroad allows them to experience the culture and make contacts with international businesses.

For more information on this endowment or other endowment opportunities, contact Hilary Gibbs, director of development for Langdale College, at 259-5503.