- Official Insurance Provider Delivers Continued Value to CIAA -

(BLACK PR WIRE) – CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Nationwide Insurance, the official insurance provider of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), announced today a $120,000 donation to the CIAA college scholarship fund. Since 2008, Nationwide has contributed almost $900,000 to the CIAA scholarship fund that serves to benefit students at CIAA member schools. 

“Nationwide shares the CIAA’s vision to empower and inspire students to reach their fullest potential. Our donation to the CIAA scholarship fund validates just how committed Nationwide is to making a real difference in student’s lives,” said Martha Frye, senior regional vice president. “This partnership is what being On Your Side® is all about.” 

For more than eight years, Nationwide has been a strong supporter of education, hiring and scholarship for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) within the CIAA. Nationwide demonstrates its commitment to the CIAA through a year-round presence on the campuses of CIAA member schools as well as sponsorship of the CIAA basketball tournament, CIAA championship football game and all 16 CIAA conference championships. 

In addition to financial contributions, Nationwide hosts onsite career fairs, provides career counseling, offers leadership development opportunities and creates pathways to employment through a corporate internship program. The CIAA/Nationwide internship program brings students to work at various Nationwide regional offices and at its home office in Columbus, Ohio. The program helps students gain real work experience in preparation of their post-graduate career. 

“We are committed to supporting communities where our associates and members live and work. As part of our efforts, we’re on-site at this week’s events actively recruiting talent from the CIAA member schools,” said Frye. “After all, Nationwide believes in what the CIAA is all about – preparing students for tomorrow and helping them realize their dreams.” 

The 69th annual CIAA Men's and Women's Basketball Tournament takes place Feb. 24 – March 1, 2014 in Charlotte, N.C. The five-day tournament returns for its ninth year in the Queen City with great basketball as well as countless events and activities. More than 150,000 people are expected to attend and participate in any number of the wide-ranging events that include spirited shows, concerts, networking opportunities with business professionals, alumni reunions and a career expo as well as a post tournament celebration. Fans and teams come to the annual CIAA basketball championships for more than just the games, and Nationwide Insurance is proud to be there to enhance their experience. 

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 Mutual Insurance Company, a Fortune 100 company 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 both A.M. Best and Standard & Poor’s. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial services, including auto insurance, homeowners, pet, motorcycle, boat, farm, commercial insurance, life insurance, annuities, mutual funds, public and private sector retirement plans, banking, mortgages, and specialty health services. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.  

Nationwide, On Your Side, Join the Nation and the Nationwide frame mark are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. 

Source: Nationwide 

View this news release online at: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20140228005616/en