For Jason Epstein, his experiences at the University of Montevallo not only provided him with an enjoyable time meeting new friends and traveling to different places, but it was just what he needed to send him on the fast track to success in the world of business.

Epstein, who graduated from the College of Business and is currently senior vice president and consumer banking manager at AmSouth, credits Montevallo with connecting him to role models who helped him grow as a leader.

“I learned critical thinking skills in the College of Business, expanded my view of the world by traveling to Canada and Europe as part of the College of Business Summer Seminar Program and had many great role models to learn from,” Epstein said. “Had I gone to a large state school, I would have been lost in the shuffle.”

Epstein said his main reason for giving back to Montevallo is because the university has given so much to its students.

“It is important to give financially to UM because we all know so well that state funding and student tuition together don’t fully cover the cost of operating the university or capital improvements,” Epstein said. “If we want others to have the great college experience that we did, it only makes sense that we would invest in the future of the university.”

While at Montevallo, Epstein served as president of his fraternity and Student Government Association president. This involvement exposed him to leadership across the campus and helped him to learn and grow in these positions. Because of these kinds of opportunities that Montevallo provided for him, Epstein wants to ensure that other students get the same experiences and chances he had.

“If my giving affords a student the opportunity to grow and accomplish great things, I take pride in knowing we are all graduates of a great place,” Epstein said. “Also, knowing how many people gave financially and of their time to help me have a great college experience, I want to ensure others have the same opportunity.”