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Pittsburg, KS, October 18, 2005 -- Pittsburg State University (PSU) has awarded a contract to Commerce Bank to provide a variety of banking services tied to its One Card, the identification card system for all PSU students. The contract was awarded after a competitive bid process.
Under the new agreement, Commerce Bank will operate a full-service branch on-campus and introduce expanded functionality to the official PSU Gorilla ID card by offering ATM and debit enhancements. The new services will be phased in during the spring semester and next summer. Commerce Bank’s on-campus banking center is targeted to open in the Overman Student Center in March 2006.
During a brief ceremony on October 18, Wendell L. Wilkinson, president, Commerce Bank, Pittsburg, presented a check for $50,000 to PSU President Tom Bryant, representing the first payment to the university as part of the new contract. In accepting the check, Bryant commented that the funds would be funneled into scholarships and improving other services on campus for PSU students.
“We are pleased to enter into this contract with Commerce Bank because it will provide additional convenience for our students. Commerce Bank has an established record in Kansas and the Midwest in the university card service area and we have every confidence they will serve our students well,” said Bryant.
Commerce Bank already provides similar university card services to Wichita State, Fort Hays State and the University of Kansas. In addition, Commerce Bank operates full-service branches on those three campuses, as well as Kansas State University and Missouri State University in Springfield, Mo.
According to Andrew Johnson, immediate past president of the PSU Student Government Association and the student representative on the university committee that supervised the bid process, the fact that Commerce Bank had a proven track record at other universities in the state was one of the many factors the committee considered in making a final selection.
“In addition to their proven record of providing such services in Kansas, we liked the fact that Commerce was willing to establish a walk-up facility on campus. Some of the other companies bidding on the contract were not willing to do that,” Johnson said.
Steve Erwin, associate vice president for Campus Life and Auxiliary Services, said Commerce Bank, a regional bank holding company serving Pittsburg, with 330 locations in Kansas, Missouri and Illinois, was awarded the contract following a lengthy bid process.
“Commerce is one of a handful of companies nationally, with demonstrated experience in offering a full-line of banking services tied to university ID cards systems,” said Erwin.
Each PSU student’s ID card will be linked to a Commerce Bank Gorilla checking account. Refunds from the university and other types of payments to students, such as financial aid checks, will be deposited to the student’s ID account at Commerce Bank.
“Previously students had to go to the PSU cashier’s window to pick up a check and then cash or deposit that check. With this new arrangement, students will be able to access those funds immediately using their ID card at any ATM, the on-campus bank or any Commerce facility,” Erwin said.
The new contract also provides students access to a variety of other banking services with no additional fees.
According to Erwin, PSU has had a “One Card” university identification card system for a number of years. Students have used the card for a variety of services on campus, but it was not tied to a checking account and could not be used at ATMs to access funds.
“We believe adding a full-line of banking services to the ID card will be of great benefit to our students,” Erwin said.
Ginger Niemann, current president of PSU’s Student Government Association, said most students would appreciate the opportunity to be able to use their ID card at ATMs.
“Students will appreciate the increased number of services tied to the ID card. It will be up to each individual as to how they use their Gorilla checking account tied to the ID card,” Niemann said.
In presenting the check to PSU, Wilkinson said, “Commerce Bank is extremely pleased to partner with PSU for on-campus banking convenience and innovative student solutions. Commerce is committed to serving the university, its students, faculty and staff. We look forward to providing the convenience and security this offers student customers.”
For more information on the new contract between PSU and Commerce and how it will impact students, contact Steve Erwin, associate vice president for Campus Life and Auxiliary Services, 620-235-4231.
About Commerce Bank
Commerce Bank is a subsidiary of Commerce Bank, N.A., a regional bank holding company with 330 locations in Kansas, Missouri and Illinois. The bank offers comprehensive student solution services including student checking, student loans, university card, student auto loans, student credit cards, campus branches and ATMs. Additionally, the bank provides educational tools and resources on college planning and financing through its student services learning center - commercebank.com/learn. Commerce Bank is a member of the National Association of Campus Card Users (NACCU).
About Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg State University is a comprehensive regional university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in the arts and sciences, business, education and technology. With approximately 6,600 students, the university serves the region and beyond with its three-part mission: teaching, research and service. The university offers the people of the region access to a broad array of arts programming, exciting NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletic competition and variety of special services in such areas as economic development support. Pittsburg State University, located in Pittsburg in the southeast corner of the state, is governed by the Kansas Board of Regents.
For more information contact:
Susan Kirkman
Regional Marketing Manager
417 837-5333
Website: www.commercebank.com
e-mail: mymoney@commercebank.com
SYMBOL: CBSH
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