Salem – 5X at Salem recently held its annual awards ceremony, during which students were recognized for their academic excellence, scholastic achievements and service to the campus. Also during the event, Consumers National Bank was presented the 2015 Friends of the Campus award, the highest honor presented annually to non-students.
The award recognizes community members and businesses that support increasing access to higher education in Salem and surrounding communities.
Dr. Steve Nameth, dean of 5X at Salem, presented the award to Consumer National Bank President and CEO Ralph Lober II and Laurie McClellan, chairman of its board.
“Since I arrived in Salem, it was evident how important the community was in the development of the campus,” Nameth noted. “Without concerned organizations like Consumer’s National Bank, the campus would not continue to grow and continue to expand learning opportunities throughout our region.”
Consumers National Bank is an active supporter of Kent State Salem’s business-related degrees and the Rural Scholars program. According to Lober, Consumers National Bank has a proud tradition of community involvement. “We believe it is essential for our employees to give back to the communities we serve and we are excited to partner with Kent State Salem on several initiatives.”
Most recently, the bank’s staff participated in a financial literacy program for the Rural Scholar students and their families.
The bank is also active on several campus advisory boards. “I am proud to serve my alma mater on the community advisory board,” McClellan shared. “It is impressive how Kent State’s Columbiana County campuses are strengthening communities by providing opportunities for graduates to begin long-term careers in our region.”
Consumers National Bank is an independent community bank that provides a comprehensive line of banking and other investment services to business and personal customers. Its main office is in Minerva, with branches in Salem, Alliance, Canton, Carrollton, East Canton, Hanoverton, Hartville, Lisbon, Louisville, Malvern and Waynesburg.
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Photo:
Accepting and presenting the Friends of the Campus Award were (from left) John Tonti, Consumers National Bank Board of Directors; Laurie McClellan, chairman of the board; Dr. Steve Nameth, dean of the Kent State Salem Campus; and Ralph Lober II, president and CEO of Consumers National Bank.