Winston Salem Times

Through a significant financial commitment, the Truist Charitable Fund has partnered with Wake Forest University to enhance educational and career development opportunities for students. The $1.6 million grant aims to support high school and college students through various initiatives.

Wake Forest University President Susan R. Wente expressed her gratitude for the investment, stating, “I am grateful for Truist Charitable Fund’s investment in Wake Forest’s students and in the future of our community.” She emphasized the collaborative effort to create life-changing opportunities for students and their communities.

The grant focuses on the Truist for Humanity Scholarship program, which provides need-based scholarships to undergraduate students from the Southeast region attending Wake Forest. This academic year, twelve scholarships were awarded, including recipients who are federal Pell Grant beneficiaries and first-generation college students.

Jenna Kelly, North Carolina West Regional President for Truist, commented on the partnership: “We are pleased to partner with Wake Forest on high-impact student and community programs that create opportunities and clear pathways to achievement.” She highlighted how these programs align with Truist's mission to inspire better lives and communities.

The grant also supports experiential programs aimed at high school students. Additionally, it extends Truist's longstanding partnership with Wake Forest Athletics as a "Presenting Partner of Wake Forest Women’s Athletics" and an Official Banking Partner of Wake Forest Athletics.

Wake Forest University is committed to academic excellence under its motto Pro Humanitate. It serves nearly 9,000 students across various locations including Winston-Salem, Charlotte, Washington D.C., and globally. Founded in 1834, it offers diverse educational programs across multiple schools within the university.

Truist Financial Corporation is a major U.S. commercial bank headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., offering a broad range of financial services. The Truist Charitable Fund is managed by the Winston-Salem Foundation as a donor-advised fund created by Truist.