ATHENS, Ohio -- The Citizens Savings Bank of Martins Ferry and The Community Bank of Lancaster recently announced the establishment of endowed scholarships at Ohio University-Eastern and Ohio University-Lancaster, respectively. United Bankcorp Inc. is the parent company of each of these local banks.

Priority for the The Citizens Savings Bank scholarship will be given to incoming freshmen at Ohio University-Eastern, in St. Clairsville, Ohio, who intend to major in business or a related field, who are ranked in the top 30 percent of their graduating class and have obtained at least a 21 on the ACT test.

"Ohio University-Eastern is extremely pleased to have the support of The Citizens Savings bank," said James Newton, Ohio University-Eastern Campus dean. "Higher education is becoming more and more an essential element in a productive, rewarding and satisfying life."

The Community Bank endowed The Community Bank Scholarship at Ohio University-Lancaster. The scholarship will benefit students from Fairfield and Athens counties who attend Ohio University-Lancaster and pursue undergraduate study in business administration.

Lancaster Dean Bari Watkins said, "We are so pleased with the generosity of The Community Bank in developing this scholarship. The funds will be effectively utilized to benefit our students."

The gifts are a part of the Bicentennial Campaign, which has raised more than $147 million toward its goal of raising $200 million in time for the Ohio Universityıs bicentennial in 2004. The campaign will provide resources for scholarships, endowed professorships, technological enhancements, innovative programs and selected capital improvements.

Ohio University-Lancaster has raised more than $2 million toward its campaign goal of $4.1 million and Ohio University-Eastern has raised more than $1 million toward its goal of $3.1 million.