A representative from Five Star Bank meets with students during the annual Meet the Firms event hosted by the Career Management Center in the Eberhardt School of Business.

The Eberhardt School of Business has received a generous gift from Five Star Bank to establish the Five Star Leadership Endowment that will fund leadership development opportunities for students. This latest gift comes just weeks after the bank served as an executive sponsor for the school’s 17th annual Meet the Firms event that brings together Eberhardt students and employers from various industries to network and cultivate employment opportunities.

“We look forward to enriching the student experience through this terrific partnership,” said James Beckwith, president and CEO of Five Star Bank. “From a career perspective, students will benefit from engaging with us and learning through real exposure to the business world. We hope to encourage Pacific students to start their careers right here in the capital region.”

In fact, a number of Pacific graduates have cemented their careers at Five Star Bank, including Krista Snelling ’95, the executive vice president, chief operating officer and chief financial officer of the company.

“As a Pacific graduate and frequent guest lecturer, I’m thrilled Five Star Bank is advancing its contribution to student success,” said Snelling. “We’ve hired numerous Pacific graduates and realize the tremendous value of their education. This partnership will connect us with students who are ready and eager to make an impact in their communities.”

The endowment will provide support for the creation of an annual student leadership retreat for student groups such as the Student Investment Fund, Integrated Development Group and the Pacific Society for Women in Business that currently operate independently of each other. A joint retreat would result in better collaboration, improved event programming and expanded networking and professional opportunities for students. 

"This investment in our professional development is truly an investment in our success,” said Maria Rios, a senior in the Eberhardt School of Business and one of the founders of the Pacific Society for Women in Business. “These experiences can be reflected in our resumes and help us in job interviews."

The gift also will fund a series of workshops with industry leaders covering a range of topics including resume writing, interview skills, strategic management, branding and marketing.

“We are extremely grateful for Five Star Bank’s support,” said Tim Carroll, dean of the Eberhardt School of Business. “Their vision for this fund is going to be instrumental in our students’ professional growth and career development and we are committed to seeing it through.”

The $63,000 gift meets the criteria for the university’s Powell Match, a gift matching program established by the $125 million estate gift from former regents Robert and Jeannette Powell. As such, it will qualify for a 1:1 match, doubling the gift to $126,000 once fulfilled.