University Park and Central Bank establish forward-thinking alliance during their key anniversary year
Central Bank Becomes Proud Banking Partner of Park University
In a significant move announced during Park University's 150th anniversary year, Central Bank of the Midwest has partnered with the university, taking on the role of the Proud Banking Partner. This strategic alliance is designed to support student success, build financial confidence, and celebrate school pride over the long term.
Key aspects of the partnership include:
- Official Park University Debit Card: Central Bank will offer an official debit card for Park University students, providing a tailored banking option linked to the university and promoting financial engagement.
- Financial Education Programs: The partnership emphasizes financial education, aiming to increase students' financial literacy and confidence. Specifics of the programs have yet to be detailed, but the joint commitment to financial education is a highlight of the collaboration.
- Campus Involvement: Central Bank's role as a proud banking partner includes active involvement on campus to support the university community. This may include events, sponsorships, or financial services aimed at students and faculty during Park University’s milestone year and beyond.
This partnership represents a future-focused alignment between a banking institution and a university to integrate financial tools and education directly into the student experience.
On August 1, 2025, Park University and Central Bank officially announced the partnership. Central Bank will be involved in key campus moments like New Student Orientation, Welcome Week, and career fairs. Celeste Lupercio, Park's director of corporate and foundation relations, stated that the partnership comes at a milestone moment for Park University during its 150th anniversary year.
Bill Ferguson, President and CEO of Central Bank of the Midwest, expressed pride in walking alongside Park University as they celebrate their 150th anniversary and invest in the future of their community. Central Bank will debut the Official Park U Debit Card and Park Checking in September.
The partnership also extends to Park athletics, aiming to enhance financial knowledge and confidence for student-athletes. Central Bank's involvement is not limited to a campus presence; it's about being part of the student experience, supporting faculty and staff, and creating opportunities that last beyond graduation.
Sources primarily report on the overall partnership and its goals but do not provide further granular details about the exact nature of financial programs or campus activities. However, the collaboration between Park University and Central Bank promises to be a significant step towards empowering students and building lasting pride.
- Central Bank's financial education programs, implemented as part of the partnership with Park University, will focus not only on traditional students but also on student-athletes, aiming to increase their financial literacy and confidence.
- Beyond offering an official debit card for Park University students, Central Bank, as a proud banking partner, will be actively involved in various campus activities such as New Student Orientation, Welcome Week, and career fairs, and extend its services to education and self-development events, sports events, and other community initiatives at the university.
