Major gift will support sustainability, athletics and scholarships
In keeping with TD's commitment to the environment as a core corporate responsibility, CCU's sustainability program is an important focus of the gift agreement. Gift funds will also provide support for athletic programs and fund scholarships. According to DeCenzo, the donation will be used to strengthen CCU's sustainability initiatives, support athletic programs, and provide endowed scholarships and summer school academic support.
"TD is an active supporter of several institutions in the Carolinas, and we became better acquainted with CCU when former TD Ameritrade CEO and current Chairman Joe Moglia joined the CCU athletic staff," said Rob Hoak, Regional President in the Carolinas for TD Bank. "A real interest in a partnership with CCU began when we learned about the university's sustainability programs. TD has made a major commitment to protect and conserve natural resources not only through more efficient business operations, but through community involvement and sponsorships. Working with CCU to grow its green initiatives is a natural fit for TD."
CCU will officially name its sustainability program the TD Campus and Community Sustainability Initiative, and all "green" programs on campus will bear the TD logo, including water-refilling stations, recycling bins and Bicycle FixIt Stations. Campus sustainability events and student groups will be identified by the TD brand, including the TD Sustainability Fair, the TD Recycled Boat Race, the TD Eco-Reps student organization and the TD Student Green Team.
In addition to the support of campus green programs, the TD gift will support the University's combined athletic facilities, to be named the TD Sports Complex. The complex will encompass the University's football, baseball, softball, soccer and women's lacrosse venues.
"This is an incredible moment in Coastal Carolina history," said DeCenzo. "This generous gift from TD will have a transformative effect on our campus and the community as we grow our environmental sustainability efforts. Furthermore, the lives of countless students will be impacted for many years to come through TD's endowed scholarship. We are deeply grateful for this tremendous gift."
Initial funds from the gift will help CCU athletics go green through the installation of an artificial playing surface at Brooks Stadium/Benton Field, a move that is expected to conserve between 500,000 and 1 million gallons of water annually. This conversion will also allow for expanded use of the stadium field, specifically, practice sessions for football and women's lacrosse.
"TD is recognized as a global leader in sustainability, committed to strengthening communities," said Jennifer Sellers, sustainability coordinator for CCU. "We couldn't be more thrilled to become of a part of the momentum the company is generating. Teal Goes Green is our slogan, so this partnership is a perfect fit and is sure to elevate our program to an even higher level."
About Coastal Carolina University
Coastal Carolina University is a dynamic public liberal arts institution located in Conway, S.C., near the world-famous Myrtle Beach resort area. The University offers 66 areas of study toward the baccalaureate degree and seven master's degree programs. CCU will begin offering its first doctoral program -- the Ph.D. in Coastal and Marine Systems Science -- in Fall 2014. More than 9,300 students from across the country and the world interact with a world-class faculty at CCU, which offers a nationally competitive NCAA I athletic program, an inspiring cultural calendar, and a tradition of community interaction with more than 120 student clubs and organizations.
About TD Bank Group
The Toronto-Dominion Bank and its subsidiaries are collectively known as TD Bank Group (TD). TD is the sixth largest bank in North America by branches and serves approximately 22 million customers in four key businesses operating in a number of locations in financial centres around the globe: Canadian Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Canada Trust and TD Auto Finance Canada; Wealth and Insurance, including TD Wealth, TD Direct Investing, an investment in TD Ameritrade, and TD Insurance; U.S. Personal and Commercial Banking, including TD Bank, America's Most Convenient Bank, and TD Auto Finance U.S.; and Wholesale Banking, including TD Securities. TD also ranks among the world's leading online financial services firms, with approximately 8 million active online and mobile customers. TD had CDN$835 billion in assets on July 31, 2013.The Toronto-Dominion Bank trades under the symbol "TD" on the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges.
TD Bank Group has an ownership interest in TD Ameritrade Holding Corporation, the parent company of TD Ameritrade.