Nationwide Named 2010 CIAA Corporate Sponsor of the Year; Celebrity Guest Lamman Rucker Joins the Excitement

(BLACK PR WIRE) (February 23, 2010) COLUMBUS, Ohio--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nationwide Insurance, Official Insurance Provider of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), announced today a $120,000 donation to the CIAA college scholarship fund, as part of its ongoing support of CIAA institutions and students. Nationwide Insurance has contributed $100,000 to the scholarship fund each year for the past two years. Nationwide has an ongoing relationship throughout the year with the CIAA, which includes on-site career fairs at various universities, working with students on career options, corporate internships, student scholarships and more.

We are proud to contribute $120,000 to the CIAA scholarship fund that helps students pursue the education that is crucial to their future, said Lee Morton, Nationwide Insurance regional vice president. Our partnership with the CIAA is what being On Your Side is all about.

The multi-year sponsorship includes support for recruitment efforts, such as providing student summer corporate internship opportunities with Nationwide and on-site job fairs, as well as sponsorships such as CIAA Mens Tourney Clarence Big House Gaines Championship Trophy; CIAA Football Championship Game; and all 16 CIAA Conference Championships.

The 65th annual CIAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament takes place February 23 through February 27 in Charlotte, N.C. The five-day tournament returns for its fifth year in the Queen City with great basketball and countless events and activities. The appeal of this tournament is so strong that it draws more attendance than almost all of the Division I conference tournaments.

Fans and teams come to the annual CIAA basketball championships for more than just the game, and Nationwide Insurance is proud to be there to enhance their experience. This year, the CIAA recognized Nationwide as 2010 CIAA Corporate Sponsor of the Year.

"Nationwide is honored to be acknowledged for our work by the CIAA and we are very excited about sponsoring the tournament again this year, said John Aman, Nationwide Insurance associate vice president of strategic sponsorships. "This is a great opportunity for us to meet CIAA students, alumni and friends and emphasize the value of education and gives us a chance to connect with the students and fans during tournament week.

Nationwide also announced that special celebrity guest Lamman Rucker (star of Tyler Perrys Meet the Browns the Series) will appear at the Nationwide Studio in the Fan Zone at the Charlotte convention center and will make other event appearances.

More than 175,000 people are expected to attend and participate in any number of the wide-ranging events that include spirited student step shows, concerts, networking opportunities with business professionals, alumni reunions and a career expo as well as a post tournament celebration featuring the Temptations. For more information about how to purchase tickets and a complete list of official events, fans can visit www.ciaatournament.org and click on the schedule of events tab.

About Nationwide
Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest and strongest diversified insurance and financial services organizations in the U.S. and is rated A+ by A.M. Best. The company provides a full range of personalized insurance and financial services, including auto insurance, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life insurance, farm, commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mortgages, mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and health and productivity services. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.

Nationwide, the Nationwide Framemark and On Your Side are federally registered service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company.