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BMO PRIVATE BANK HONORS HODGES' VETERANS WHO HAVE SERVED
Military Men & Women of Hodges University are toasted at Ritz reception

NAPLES, FL (May 2, 2013) – BMO Private Bank and Hodges University invited guests to honor the military servicemen and women who attend Hodges University at a private reception held recently at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Naples. Over 60 guests attended the event.

Kent Anderson, Vice President and Senior Private Banker for BMO Private Bank in Naples, who serves on the American Military Veterans Education Fund Cabinet at Naples’ Hodges University, welcomed the guests to the reception. “We are honored to pay tribute to you this evening and recognize the service you have given to our country,” said Anderson, who presented a check in the amount of $5,000 from BMO Private Bank. “The sacrifices you and your families have made are very much appreciated.”

Hodges University President Terry McMahan introduced two veterans at the gathering: William Lang, who is now a student at Hodges University and Monte Warren, who is on staff at the university. Lee Smith, Director of Veterans Service, and Phil Memoli, Vice President of Development at Hodges, were on hand to welcome guests and answer questions.

“At Hodges Universit y, we understand the challenges our veterans face when transitioning from military to civilian careers. I am proud to say that the faculty, fellow students and generous supporters of this university make it a priority to assist you in that endeavor,” said McMahan. “Our veteran students like William Lang and our staff, like Monte Warren, give the same dedication here at Hodges as they did serving our country and we are very proud of them.”

Guests learned about the struggles that returning military heroes of the United States Armed Forces have when they transition to civilian life and choose to pursue an education. The donation from BMO Private Bank was given to cover expenses for deserving veterans as they struggle to work, attend the University and create a new life for themselves and their families after serving in the military.

In 2006, Hodges University established the American Military Veterans Education Fund (AMVEF) cabinet to raise awareness and funding for providing scholarship and grant dollars to help veterans whose benefits are insufficient to cover the full cost of tuition for attending the University.

According to Anderson, currently 10 percent of the student body at Hodges are veterans, and of those, 23 percent do not qualify for complete funding. Along with a Cabinet comprised of local veterans, including two retired Generals of the Armed Forces, Hodges University is dedicated to raising additional scholarship support so that every veteran who chooses to attend the University can concentrate completely on earning a degree without concerns for paying for it.

In 2009, Hodges University announced that it would be participating in the federal government’s Yellow Ribbon Program, which provides tuition and fee assistance to eligible veterans. The program enables qualified veterans to attend the institution with virtually no financial burden.

Hodges prides itself on being a "veteran-friendly" institution. It has established a Veterans Club for veteran students, a Veterans Services Center for both enrolled and incoming veteran students who are looking for information on the benefits they can receive from the government, and will soon announce the establishment of an American Legion post on campus, only the second in the entire country. With the support of BMO Private Bank, Hodges University has been able to hold several receptions in order to encourage concerned local residents to support this most worthwhile fund. More information is available at www.hodges.edu.

More information on BMO Private Bank is available at: www.bmo.com/privatebank/us or by calling: 239.435.1010.

About BMO Private Bank, a Part of BMO Financial Group:
BMO Private Bank offers a comprehensive range of wealth management services that include investment advisory, trust, banking and financial planning to meet the financial needs of high net worth clients. Through integrated teams of experienced financial professionals, BMO Private Bank helps its clients realize their financial and lifestyle goals with solutions that are custom tailored and delivered with the highest level of personalized service.

BMO Private Bank is a brand name used in the United States by BMO Harris Bank N.A. Member FDIC. Not all products and services are available in every state and/or location.

BMO and BMO Financial Group are trade names used by Bank of Montreal.