Introducing the HBCU Legends Collection
A new slate of debit cards spotlighting historically Black colleges and universities is now available in the Wells Fargo Card Design Studio.
The Wells Fargo HBCU Legends Collection is a new slate of debit cards spotlighting the rich and vibrant legacy of historically Black colleges and universities, or HBCUs. The cards are the culmination of dedication, drive, and collaboration across Wells Fargo, and are now available in the Wells Fargo Card Design Studio®.
“This is pioneering work,” said Dewey Norwood, Sr. Lead Diversity & Inclusion Consultant. “The launch of this program is a result of CEO Charlie Scharf; head of Diverse Segments, Representation and Inclusion Kleber Santos; and other senior leaders earnestly engaging members of the Black and African American Connection Employee Resource Network. It might seem like a small gesture, but the ability to have an HBCU-themed debit card provides pride for supporters and graduates of these institutions. And this is just the beginning. We have plans to add even more schools in the coming months.”
For the company’s initial launch, customers and employees can select from among 10 of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s, or CIAA, 12 member schools as well as a host of other HBCUs and organizations like the United Negro College Fund, or UNCF, and Thurgood Marshall College Fund, or TMCF.
First broached nearly a year ago, the idea for HBCU-themed cards came out of discussions within the Black and African American Connection Employee Resource Network.
“We asked ourselves, and we asked our leaders, ‘What else can we do to celebrate HBCUs?’” Norwood said. “The idea of these cards came up, and we took it to the Card Services group. From the beginning, they were all-in with the funding and support required to take this from concept to reality.”
Over the last 10 years, Wells Fargo has provided more than $30 million in financial support to HBCUs in local markets and through UNCF and the TMCF. Additionally, the company has given direct sponsorships and commitments to individual HBCU academic and athletic programs.
“ It might seem like a small gesture, but the ability to have an HBCU-themed debit card provides pride for supporters and graduates of these institutions.” — Dewey Norwood, Sr. Lead Diversity & Inclusion Consultant
“I’m thrilled by the introduction of the Legends Collection,” said Paulette Jackson, senior vice president of national development and operations for UNCF, the nation’s largest minority education organization. “Equity comes in many sizes and forms, and we are so grateful to Wells Fargo for allowing HBCU students, alumni, and fans like myself and so many at UNCF, to demonstrate pride in their institutions.”
The Legends Collection is a part of Wells Fargo’s broader diversity, equity, and inclusion strategy focusing on increasing diverse representation at all levels of the company, better serving and growing its diverse customer segments in each line of business, and supporting and increasing its spend with diverse suppliers.
“The inclusion of these schools allows us to acknowledge and celebrate our ongoing support of these important institutions,” said Norwood. “It deepens our relationships with HBCU staff, students, alumni, and supporters, while increasing brand awareness and affinity. Whether you are a Golden Bull of Johnson C. Smith University, roaring like a Lincoln Lion, pouncing like a Clark-Atlanta Panther, or showing the #VikingPride of Elizabeth City State University, you’ll find an eye-catching design in this collection. Our internal partners’ work, and the willingness of these amazing schools to partner with us in celebration of their exceptional institutions is a win-win situation. We are excited about our initial card launch and the opportunity to include more HBCUs in the future.”
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