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University of Hawai'i |
(808) 956-8856 Telephone |
For Immediate Release: |
November 6, 1998 |
Contact: James Donovan, UH Athletics, 808 956-4469 David Harris, MBNA, 415 835-6210 Cheryl Ernst, 808 956-8856 |
UH launches MBNA credit card to promote university and benefit Rainbow athletics
The University of Hawai'i today announced that MBNA America Bank, N.A., will begin marketing a UH affinity credit card at tonight's Rainbow Wahine Volleyball game. The new UH credit cards, which will be available at no annual fee and with special introductory interest rates to UH alumni and students, will carry the University of Hawai'i identity and help support the UH Manoa Athletics program. "With the UH affinity credit card program, the University of Hawai'i joins a growing number of universities that have credit cards bearing their names," said UH President Kenneth P. Mortimer. "We challenged the UH Manoa athletics department to reduce its dependence on state tax dollars and it has responded with innovative ideas. I salute the department for pursuing this opportunity to promote the university while generating income for Rainbow athletics." "We're delighted to be working with MBNA. The company is the leader in the affinity credit card business with a solid reputation for working with its academic partners and serving its customers," said Associate Athletics Director James Donovan. "MBNA has more than 500 programs with colleges and universities and has demonstrated for 17 years the benefits and superior service that makes these programs a success." MBNA will contribute to the UHM athletic department each time the UH MBNA credit card is used. As part of the overall agreement, NBC affiliate KHNL and KFVE TV will provide UH with video production services and air time and ensure continuance of the weekly "UH Today" segment produced jointly by UH and KHNL and broadcast on the morning news. KFVE is the television home of UH sports. "We look forward to working with the University on this great new venture," said KHNL/KFVE General Manager John Fink. "The synergy of MBNA's expertise and our ability to reach the audience makes this a win-win-win for the university, for MBNA and for us." In addition to advertising through KHNL/KFVE and other outlets, the UH affinity card will be marketed at UH events and through direct mail, telephone marketing and the Internet. To apply for a UH MBNA credit card, call (800) 847-7378. UH Manoa is a Honolulu-based, nationally ranked Research I university offering a broad array of undergraduate, professional and graduate programs. Located in Honolulu, it is the largest of the 10 campuses that comprise the statewide public University of Hawai'i system and offers special expertise in astronomy, oceanography, volcanology, languages, tropical medicine and agriculture and Pacific and Asian studies. UH Manoa operates a NCAA Division IA athletic program that competes in seven men's and 10 women's sports and co-ed sailing. It boasts award-winning athletic facilities and four national women's volleyball championships and leads the nation in volleyball attendance. MBNA Corporation, a bank holding company and parent of MBNA America Bank, N.A., has $56.3 billion in managed loans. MBNA, the largest independent credit card lender in the world, also provides retail deposit, consumer loan and insurance products. |
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