Left to right: John P. Hamill, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Sovereign Bank of New England Division; Rev. Philip A. Smith, O.P., President, Providence College; Joseph P. Campanelli, President and Chief Operating Officer of Commercial and Business Banking Division, Sovereign Bank; Stephen Issa, Rhode Island Regional President

Providence, RI - Sovereign Bank has awarded a $100,000 grant to Providence College to support the College's new Center for the Arts. Now under construction, the center will feature a 280-seat theatre, a 275-seat recital hall and extensive new classroom and office facilities for the College's growing programs in music, theatre, dance, and film.

 "The grant is made in recognition of Providence College's long-term relationship with Sovereign and predecessor banking institutions," noted John Hamill, Sovereign Bank Chairman. He added, "The grant is also made in honor of College President Rev. Philip A. Smith, O.P., for his long and meritorious service to Providence College, the greater Providence community and Sovereign Bank." Father Smith serves as a member of Sovereign Bank's New England Advisory Board, in addition to service on numerous other community and charitable boards.

"Providence College is very grateful for Sovereign Bank's generous gift to our new Center for the Arts," said Father Smith. "The College is indeed privileged to enjoy the friendship and support of a banking institution so committed to enhancing the life of our community."

The grant was awarded to Providence College at a ceremony held during a break at the PC Friars men's basketball game against the University of Texas on January 5, 2004. Sovereign Bank sponsored the game, held on the Friars' home court at the Dunkin' Donuts Center.

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