New research explores a successful bank making an impact in poor, rural areas in Africa.

Three pairs of Maryland Smith students-faculty mentors have been recognized among this year’s graduating class of University of Maryland Philip Merrill Presidential Scholars. The late Philip Merrill, UMD supporter and long-time Washington area publisher, initiated the Merrill Presidential Scholar program in 2004 to build a community of scholars, faculty members, and K-12 teachers to promote “teaching and mentoring the next generation.” The recognitions further cite a K-12 teacher-mentor of each scholar: