CHAMPAIGN, IL (July 23, 2021) – Since 2016, BankChampaign has funded an annual scholarship for a University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign student athlete who is working toward an advanced degree.

This year’s recipient is Zach Griffith, a native of Fisher, IL. Zach held a 4.0 GPA and graduated this spring with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. He was on the Dean’s list every semester of his undergraduate studies. He is a Bronze Tablet Recipient, which requires at least a 3.5 cumulative grade point-average throughout the academic term prior to graduation, and ranking in the top three percent of students in a graduating class. 

Zach played on the Illini Men’s Basketball team and has been a three-time Academic All Big Ten selection. Zach is involved with the Student Athlete Accommodating Committee (SAAC), and also volunteers with multiple organizations.

The BankChampaign scholarship amount is based on Illini scoring. The Illini made 909 field goals this season, for a $9,090 total scholarship.

As a true community bank, BankChampaign supports multiple organizations, both with financial donations and through the volunteer efforts of our officers and staff.

“Being able to provide this support to an exceptional University of Illinois student is one of my favorite parts of my role at BankChampaign,” said Linda Richardson, CEO. “We look forward to Zach’s continued success.” 

Zach will attend graduate school at the University of Illinois Gies College of Business, pursuing a Masters in Science Management. He will also be serving as the Graduate Assistant for Illini Men’s Basketball from 2021-2022.