January 31, 2014

Santander extends study abroad, service grants agreement with College

College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. ’80 and Roman Blanco, president and CEO of Santander US, shake hands after signing the grant extension agreement.
College President Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. ’80 and Roman Blanco, president and CEO of Santander US, shake hands after signing the grant extension agreement.

Santander Universities, a division of Santander Bank, N.A., signed a seven-year agreement extension with the College to provide study abroad diversity and global service-learning grants to students who otherwise might not be able to study and serve abroad.

The commitment builds on a three-year agreement between Santander and PC in 2010 and could impact up to 500 students, estimates Adrian G. Beaulieu, dean of international studies.

The Diversity Scholarship Grants range from $2,500 to $5,000 and assist with direct costs of studying abroad or related expenses such as airfare, visa arrangements, and inoculations. The World Learning and Service Engagement Grants can be up to $3,000 for individual students or more to support group or class projects.

In addition to the grants, Santander signed long-term agreements to provide exclusive banking services on campus, including ATMs, and to serve as the Department of Athletics’ primary sponsor.