Fifth Third Atrium in ATLC recognizes community support for the College
At the dedication of the Fifth Third Atrium on October 22, 2024, College officials, students, and graduates described the importance of community support for initiatives like the CState Accelerate program.
President Monica Posey observed, “You can feel the inspiration here,” as two signs recognizing the Fifth Third Foundation’s contributions were unveiled in the three-story lobby of the Advanced Technology and Learning Center (ATLC) building, a space that serves as the College’s “front door” for numerous students, employees, and campus visitors.
One of the signs recognizing the Fifth Third Foundation is a plaque in the lobby; the other is a sign above the stairs that lead visitors from the Welcome Center into other areas of the ATLC.
The Fifth Third Foundation provided a lead gift of $750,000 that inspired $3.5 million in additional donations during College fundraising efforts in 2020 and 2021. These contributions made it possible to restart the CState Accelerate program, which provides a comprehensive set of personal, academic, and financial support services to help Pell-eligible students stay in college, earn credits faster, and graduate on time.
More than 600 students have been part of CState Accelerate and they have achieved significantly higher retention and graduation rates than comparable students who are not part of this program.
Heidi Jark, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for the Foundation Office at Fifth Third Bank, noted that Cincinnati State “is about students and their lives and trying to excel” and commended the College for “trying something different to help students take the next step to success.”
She added, “We were excited that you asked Fifth Third to be part of your success.”
Tammie Larkins, Director of CState Accelerate, thanked Fifth Third for “investing in people” and supporting a program that provides “a lifeline for students.”
Elisa Amissah, a CState Accelerate graduate who is now continuing her education as a computer science major at Northern Kentucky University, said the CState Accelerate program made it possible to “focus on my studies and not worry about financial burdens” and said she was “grateful” for the Fifth Third Foundation’s investment in the program.
Landon Fairbanks, a current student in the CState Accelerate program, pursuing degrees in Audio/Video Production and Marketing Management, said the “emotional backing” provided by the program is “life changing” and added that students who graduate with help from CState Accelerate will “help Cincinnati grow.”
Other speakers at the event were John Silverman, Chair of the College Board of Trustees, and Mike Haunert, Chair of the Cincinnati State Foundation Board.
