CHARLOTTE – April 16, 2008 – Bruce Arrigo received the 2008 First Citizens Bank Scholars Medal for his work in the field of criminal justice at an award ceremony Wednesday evening. This prestigious award, presented by First Citizens Bank and UNC Charlotte, honors faculty scholarship and intellectual inquiry.

The program was held at the Westin Hotel in downtown Charlotte.

“First Citizens Bank takes great pride in recognizing Dr. Arrigo for his outstanding contributions in the field of criminal justice,” said Marc Horgan, Mecklenburg area executive for First Citizens. “Our company values its longstanding relationship with UNC Charlotte and is honored to join with the University in presenting the Scholars Medal to such a well-deserving recipient.”

Arrigo’s career is rooted in his work as a community organizer and social activist for the homeless, the mentally ill, the working poor, the elderly and the chemically addicted. Having earned a Ph.D. in Administration of Justice from Pennsylvania State University, a Master of Arts in Sociology and Master of Arts in Psychology from Duquesne University, and a bachelor’s in political science from Saint Joseph’s University, he has gone on to make his mark in several fields including of ethics, forensic psychology, public policy and criminal justice.

At UNC Charlotte, Arrigo serves as a professor of criminal justice in addition to appointments in the Psychology Department, the Public Policy Program and the Center for Applied and Professional Ethics. He also acted as chair for the university’s Department of Criminal Justice from 2001 to 2004.

Arrigo has authored over 140 journal articles, book chapters and essays as well as co-written 18 books and co-edited nine volumes. His work has been cited nationally and internationally by students and other scholars. As the current editor of the peer-reviewed quarterly “Journal of Forensic Psychology Practice,” he also sits on the editorial board for seven national and international journals in many fields of his expertise.

In addition to several awards and honors, both the American Psychological Association and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences have named Arrigo a Fellow for his scholarly work. To achieve the election of Fellow by both organizations speaks to the significance of Arrigo’s contributions to the science of psychology and criminology.

Above all, his colleagues recognize his ability to connect with his students and peers. The combination of his vast expertise into several fields and personable approach with others make him an effective teacher, mentor and collaborator.

About UNC Charlotte

A public research university, UNC Charlotte is the fourth largest campus among the 17 institutions of the University of North Carolina system. It is the largest institution of higher education in the Charlotte region. The university offers 18 doctoral programs, 61 master’s degree programs and 89 programs leading to bachelor’s degrees. Fall 2007 enrollment exceeded 22,300 students, including almost 4,800 graduate students.

About First Citizens Bank

First Citizens has served the people and businesses of Mecklenburg County for 48 years. Founded in 1898, North Carolina-headquartered First Citizens operates 340 branches in 200 cities and towns in North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee and Maryland. For more information, visit firstcitizens.com or call toll-free 1.888.FC DIRECT (1.888.323.4732). The bank’s mission is to provide superior financial services to individual customers, small to mid-sized businesses, professionals and the medical community.

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Media contact: Paul Nowell, 704.687.2393, pmnowell@uncc.edu