Huntington to Open Branches, Donate $150,000 to U. of Toledo

Huntington Bancshares (HBAN) is tightening its ties to Toledo, Ohio.

The $56 billion-asset company said Thursday that it would donate $150,000 for programs and scholarships at the University of Toledo and open two branches on the school's campus. One branch will be inside the university's student union; the other will be located in a nearby neighborhood.

Huntington, which is based in Columbus, Ohio, will have 47 branches in the northwestern part of the state once the Toledo locations open. Overall, the company has roughly 700 branches in six states.

Huntington "is committed to ongoing investment in Toledo," Steve Steinour, the company's chief executive, said in a press release. Huntington is looking "forward to continuing to work with the university as it educates the next generation of leaders."

The partnership would "provide more students with the ability to earn a top-tier education," Lloyd Jacobs, the university's president, added.
 
The program mirrors a similar pact Huntington formed last year with Ohio State University. Students and employees of the university will be able to sign up for checking and other services from Huntington, though the program excludes a prepaid card, a company spokeswoman says.