University Bank honored for African-American lending

University Bank, St. Paul, Minn., again has been cited for its outreach. The Community Investing Project, an initiative of the Social Investment Forum Foundation, and Co-op America, singled out University Bank as one of 14 organizations that "best exemplify the building of economic opportunity and

"We've always been firm believers in doing well by doing good," says David Reiling, president of University Bank. "Through community investing programs, we've been able to help African-American individuals get their first homes, fulfill dreams of opening small businesses and have helped turn entire neighborhoods into thriving, vibrant communities. It's great to be making a difference right here in our own backyard of St. Paul."

The $108 million University Bank cited the example of Jimmy and Lorraine Love who had trouble obtaining a conventional mortgage. "We looked for a home for five years and were turned down for a mortgage 35 times," Jimmy Love said. But after a call to University Bank's John Bennett, the Loves found renewed hope. "John told us he could help. No banker had ever said that to me."