ARLINGTON, Va.–The University of Texas at Arlington’s Mavericks Spirit Debit Reward card has hit a major milestone in earnings. The card, issued by Texas Trust Credit Union, has earned $100,000 for UTA.
The UTA Mavericks Spirit Debit Reward card was created in 2014 to help UT Arlington raise money for scholarships. There are currently more than 1,770 Maverick Spirit Debit cardholders. Each time the card is used for eligible purchases, such as for dining out, gas, groceries, entertainment, or travel, UT Arlington earns five cents.
The $100,000 reward milestone was celebrated during the UTA Mavericks men’s basketball game against Texas State at College Park Center. The celebration included a hoops shoot-out contest where Christopher Villegas sunk 16 layups within 30 seconds, beating the second contestant by one basket. Villegas, a UTA sophomore kinesiology major, won two all-session passes to the 2019 NCAA Men’s Final Four in Minneapolis, flight vouchers, and hotel accommodations.
Texas Trust also held a virtual “pop a shot” contest on the UTA athletics Facebook page. Varun Porwal, a computer science graduate student, had the most successful shots before the time expired. He too will be attending the Men’s Final Four next month, compliments of Texas Trust.
“Besides creating a competitive athletic program, UT Arlington is helping to strengthen the local economy by preparing students to be our future business leaders,” said Jim Minge, president and CEO of Texas Trust Credit Union. “With the Spirit Debit Reward card, Mavs fans can help UT Arlington build a scholarship program that can help more students attain a degree, which can help them build a brighter financial future.”