USC Aiken's Trim Awarded PBC-SunTrust Minority Postgraduate Scholarship

AUGUSTA, Ga. – The Peach Belt Conference (PBC) and SunTrust Banks, Inc., are pleased to announce that University of South Carolina Aiken student Kofi Trim has been awarded the PBC-SunTrust Minority Postgraduate scholarship. The scholarship provides financial support to a deserving Peach Belt minority student-athlete in pursuit of postgraduate college degree. Trim, who played on the men’s soccer team and graduated from USC Aiken in December, is the winner of the fall graduate scholarship; another scholarship will be awarded in June to a spring semester graduate. 

“I am truly honored to be the recipient of such a prestigious award,” said Trim, who plans to begin graduate school in the fall. “This award solidifies the fact that hard work and dedication are still rewarded and cherished. I appreciate SunTrust’s support of this scholarship program, and offer many thanks to USC Aiken and the Peach Belt conference for all that they have done for me in my personal development.”

A native of San Juan, Trinidad, Trim graduated with a business degree in marketing from USC Aiken in December with a 3.837 cumulative GPA. A two-year starter on the Pacer soccer team defense, he made nine starts in 2010.  He was named to the PBC All-Academic team and received the Division II Athletic Directors Association Academic Achievement Award.

“Because we believe that education is the foundation for a strong community –and a strong bank -- SunTrust has a long and proud history of supporting schools and education programs that offer opportunities to gifted students,” said E. Jenner Wood III, president and chief executive officer of SunTrust Bank, Atlanta/Georgia Division. “This scholarship continues that long tradition and we are pleased to award it to Kofi for his graduate work. “

Trim balanced his athletic responsibilities with consistent classroom work and on-campus involvement. He was named the Most Outstanding Marketing Student of 2011 while participating on the School of Business student advisory board. He also served as a Pacesetter and Spirit Club member and was named to the USCA Dean’s List and the PBC Presidential Honor Roll.

“Students like Kofi Trim are the reason we worked with SunTrust to create this award,” said PBC commissioner David R. Brunk. “What he has been able to do on the field, in the classroom and on campus speaks to his dedication and commitment to not only making himself the best he can be, but to providing leadership and camaraderie to those around him. We are so pleased to be partnered with SunTrust and be able to recognize students like Kofi and provide them some help as they continue to pursue their goals.”

Trim plans to pursue a career in marketing and advertising with the goal of beginning his own agency to serve Trinidad and Tobago and other developing Caribbean nations.

Founded in 1990, the Peach Belt Conference is home to 13 member schools in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.  The home to 30 NCAA Division II National Champions, the Peach Belt conducts championships in 13 sports throughout the year.

SunTrust Banks, Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, is one of the nation’s largest banking organizations, serving a broad range of consumer, commercial, corporate and institutional clients.  As of September 30, 2011, SunTrust had total assets of $172.6 billion and total deposits of $126.3 billion.  The Company operates an extensive branch and ATM network throughout the high-growth Southeast and Mid-Atlantic states and a full array of technology-based, 24-hour delivery channels.  The Company also serves clients in selected markets nationally.  Its primary businesses include deposit, credit, trust and investment services.  Through various subsidiaries the Company provides mortgage banking, insurance, brokerage, investment management, equipment leasing and investment banking services. SunTrust’s Internet address is suntrust.com.

Story by Ken Gerlinger (Peach Belt Conference Office)