Cardinal Bank announced at its annual Cardinal Bank and George Mason University Economic Conference that it has established a $250,000 endowment at George Mason University that will fund scholarships to selected first-generation college students attending the university.

F. Kevin Reynolds, President Cardinal Bank, Alice P. Frazier, Chief Operating Officer Cardinal Bank, ...

F. Kevin Reynolds, President Cardinal Bank, Alice P. Frazier, Chief Operating Officer Cardinal Bank, Lewis E. Forrest, II Executive Director George Mason University, Early Identification Program and George Mason University Students and Scholarship Recipients (Photo: George Mason University)

Cardinal’s funding of the scholarship program will help provide financial assistance to graduates of the university’s innovative Early Identification Program (EIP) which prepares 8th through 12th graders for success. The first recipients have been selected for the scholarship program.

According to Cardinal Bank President F. Kevin Reynolds, the endowment will help qualified students access the financial resources needed to attend the university. “These students have a bright future ahead and we want to do everything possible to encourage their success,” Reynolds said.

“This significant endowment is a commitment and extension of our longtime partnership with George Mason University as well as our commitment to local communities through the Cardinal Bank Community Fund,” Reynolds said. “The students selected to receive an award epitomize the desire to excel through their participation in the university’s EIP outreach.”

Cardinal’s scholarship endowment comes at a time when the EIP is fueling more and more applications from first-generation college-bound students to the university. In 2014, 107 high school students graduated from the EIP and 90% of those graduates enrolled in 27 different colleges around the country. George Mason University was the destination of 35 of those EIP graduates.

“We are delighted that Cardinal’s generous endowment will help more deserving students attain their dream of attending George Mason University,” said Executive Director of the Early Identification Program Lewis E. Forrest, II. “Pursuing these dreams may not be possible for many of these students and their families without the bank’s support.”

Since establishing the EIP in 1987, George Mason University has been hosting weekly tutoring and mentoring, Saturday sessions and a three-week Summer Academic Academy to improve students’ access to higher education and their quality of life. The program identifies 7th graders who show academic promise, motivation, commitment and leadership potential. Currently there are 145 students participating in the 8th grade program and 440 in the high school program.

Graduates of the EIP who enroll at George Mason University may learn more about the scholarship application process by contacting Lewis E. Forrest, II at lforres1@gmu.edu or (703) 993-3120.

About Cardinal Financial Corporation:

Cardinal Financial Corporation, a financial holding company headquartered in Tysons Corner, Virginia, serves the Washington Metropolitan region through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Cardinal Bank, with more than 30 conveniently located banking offices. Cardinal also operates George Mason Mortgage. The Company's stock is traded on NASDAQ (CFNL). For additional information, visit our Web site at www.cardinalbank.com or call 703.584.3400. Engage with us on Twitter @cardinalbank,Facebook, and LinkedIn.