Dominican University and MB Financial Bank hosted a reception on September 5 to introduce the inaugural participants MB Fellows program, sophomores Rocio Aguilar and Asad Azam. 

The MB Fellows Program is the result of Dominican’s commitment to educating a diverse and academically talented undergraduate student body, and MB’s dedication to cultivating a diverse workforce that reflects the communities it serves. 

The program constitutes a multi-year commitment by Dominican and MB to allow for students’ sustained development and growth. 

Students apply as freshmen to begin the program in their sophomore year. The first two MB Fellows to begin the program in fall 2012 are Asad Azam, an accounting major from Elmhurst, and Rocio Aguilar, a double major in economics and biology, from Berwyn. 

As MB Fellows, the students will receive: 

• A $5,000 scholarship each year for three years (sophomore, junior, senior) 

• Mentoring from MB executives for three years 

• Opportunities for part-time employment at an MB branch during school 

• Paid summer internships with MB before junior and senior years 

In addition, as part of the program the students work toward completing Dominican’s Leadership Certificate Program. After graduating, the Fellows will receive opportunities to apply to MB for employment and entrance into MB’s own leadership development programs. 

Several executives from MB Financial Bank and Dominican attended the September 5 event, at which Azam and Aguilar gave remarks and received the first check for their continuing scholarships. 

“To me, the MB Fellows scholarship represents a unique opportunity for Dominican students to enhance their classroom learning while partnering with our organization in a hands-on environment,” says John Sassaris, senior vice president, commercial division manager, MB Financial Bank. “For those who do well in the program and have the desire to move forward, the ultimate goal is a rewarding career in financial services. Our hope is that the MB Fellows program will continue to deepen the already strong relationship between our two fine organizations.” 

Current Dominican freshmen will have the opportunity to apply for the second MB Fellows class in spring 2013.