President and CEO Zachary Katkin and Director of Operations Harry Casimir created the Atilus Bitcoin Scholarship Fund with a pledge to donate $25,000 and $12,500 of that gift established the endowment. Atilus organized and paid the initial deposit using the Bitcoin currency. While the digital currency is increasingly being used to purchase goods and services, the donation to a university is among the first of its kind.

The scholarship will be awarded to rising juniors or seniors with grade point averages of at least 2.75, who demonstrate leadership in student clubs and organizations, have completed or are enrolled in a university sanctioned internship by the first day of classes and who demonstrate financial need.

"Harry and I started our company at FGCU and we both received an education centered on technology," said Katkin ('07, Liberal Studies). "Atilus owes a lot to the university and we thought the idea of giving back using the future of money – bitcoin – would be the perfect union of philanthropy, technology and our alma mater. Giving back is one thing, but giving back in a meaningful way that furthers the discipline in which one was educated – and helps advance the institution of which many of us at Atilus are the products – is even better!"

Casimir ('05, Computer Information Services) added that he, too, feels fortunate to be able to establish a scholarship at his alma mater at such a young age. "We have found there are many ways to give back and stay connected to the university," he said. "One way is to make a multi-year gift, which is what we did, and which quickly adds up."

Bitcoin is a global decentralized form of digital currency in wide use on the Internet for secure monetary exchanges. It can be exchanged and converted into cash. Katkin, "truly believes that Bitcoin is going to revolutionize the business and consumer worlds in relation to finance and value."

Christopher Simoneau, vice president for Advancement and executive director of the FGCU Foundation added that, "We are proud to accept this generous and innovative donation that will enable future generations of students to gain educations." Christopher believes that, "It is especially rewarding that the gift comes from successful alumni who launched their business while they were still students at FGCU."

Atilus is trying to grow the endowment in order to provide our future community leaders an even grander source of funds outside of taking on student loan debt all the while increasing awareness of FGCU. If you are interested in donating, please scan the following QR Code or visit: www.atilus.com/bitcoin. You can also donate by the Atilus Bitcoin Scholarship Endowment Bitcoin address link: 1N1MyaFn7Zz5Ta9XLjfUyVH9fhVywf4aoY

For more information, contact Phil Stalnaker, Atilus' Director of Marketing, at 239.362.1271 or Phil@atilus.com. Attached images are courtesy of Brian Tietz: www.briantietz.com.