Aequitas Grants Awards to Kick Off Scholarship Program for Oregon Schools

LAKE OSWEGO, Ore., Jan. 7, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of new partnerships struck with Oregon State University (OSU) and the University of Oregon (U of O), Aequitas Capital has awarded $15,000 in scholarships to students seeking careers in financial services.

The Aequitas Financial Scholars Program, for juniors and seniors majoring in finance and enrolled in either school's business college, was created to encourage students with an aptitude for financial services to pursue careers in the field.

"As Aequitas has grown in the alternative space over the years, we have seen the positive impact that highly skilled, regionally educated leaders can have in Oregon's financial sector. The Aequitas Financial Scholars Program is a premier opportunity for students who are passionate about financial services but need assistance with reaching their goals," said Bob Jesenik, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer, Aequitas Capital. Mr. Jesenik serves on the Advisory Board for U of O's Lundquist School of Business. He holds an MBA from the University of Portland and a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from U of O.

Mr. Jesenik, along with Aequitas Capital Executive Vice Presidents Craig Froude and Brian Oliver, both Oregon State graduates, received valuable hands-on training as participants in U.S. Bank's work/college program; their experiences inspired the establishment of the Aequitas Financial Scholars Program.

"I have seen over the years the role these schools play in cultivating young business leaders, and know from my own experience how critically important it is to have a quality education in this field," continued Mr. Jesenik. "We appreciate the creativity and collaboration of both schools in designing this program with us, and in time, hope others in our industry will join us in assisting those students who are motivated to make successful careers in our industry right here in Oregon.

Three students, two attending U of O and one attending OSU, each received a $5,000 award. OSU will announce additional awards from Aequitas in fall 2016 for the 2017 school year, including $4,000 and $6,000 scholarships to a junior and senior, respectively.

Later this year, four U of O students and two OSU students will receive $5,000 each from Aequitas. The application process runs until the end of February for those awards, with winners to be announced in May.

Students can be nominated by faculty and staff or apply through U of O (http://financialaid.uoregon.edu/scholarships) or OSU (http://blogs.oregonstate.edu/scholarships/). Applicants should exemplify the Aequitas values of community engagement, service to others, and leadership, and be active participants in academic and professional clubs or activities. The scholarships can be used to help with expenses such as tuition and fees. Aequitas has signed a three-year partnership agreement with both schools to kick off the program.

About Aequitas Capital

Founded in 1993, Aequitas Capital is a diversified financial services company that creates alternative investments including private equity, private credit, and specialty finance. The firm leverages its network and team of industry specialists to uncover opportunities in the traditionally underserved sectors of healthcare, education, and financial services. Aequitas helps its portfolio companies and strategic partners reach their goals by providing management expertise, technology infrastructure, and a network of support services. 

For more information, please visit www.aequitascapital.com.

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SOURCE Aequitas Capital

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