UW-Whitewater recognizes First Citizens State Bank with Regents Business Partnership Award
October 27, 2025
Written by Chris Lindeke | Photos by Kyle Winter, Craig Schreiner, and submitted | Video by Kyle Winter
First Citizens State Bank, a community partner of the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater since the university’s founding in 1868, is a 2025 recipient of the Universities of Wisconsin Regents Business Partnership Award.
The bank’s mutually beneficial relationship with the university includes financial investments into key campus initiatives, active participation in events inside the classroom and in the community, and the hiring of dozens of UW-Whitewater graduates to staff positions.
“We are grateful to Jim Caldwell and the entire team at First Citizens State Bank for their continued support of UW-Whitewater,” said Chancellor Corey A. King. “Their commitment to student success is both valued and appreciated. Our partnership with First Citizens dates back to the university’s founding, and this century-long relationship has played a vital role in helping us become ‘Warhawk Bold’ — both as a university and as an engaged member of the broader community.”
Jim Caldwell, left, Chief Executive Officer and Director of First Citizens State Bank, talks with UW-Whitewater Chancellor Corey King and Willie Warhawk at First Citizens State Bank in Whitewater during a “Mascots on Main” visit in spring of 2025. (UW-Whitewater photo/Kyle Winter)
“UW-Whitewater is fortunate to have a partner like First Citizens State Bank, a business deeply invested in the future of southeast Wisconsin,” said Regent Jim Kreuser, who was on hand to present the award. “Their commitment goes beyond supporting the university; it’s about strengthening the entire region through workforce development and community engagement.”
“The partnership between UW-Whitewater and First Citizens State Bank is a powerful example of what the Regents Business Partnership Award celebrates,” said Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman. “Together, these two organizations are enriching the student experience and strengthening the local community. I applaud their enduring collaboration and shared commitment to making a lasting impact.”
First Citizens State Bank has demonstrated extraordinary generosity through philanthropic investments that have transformed UW-Whitewater. Their support spans across every Foundation campaign with seven-figure contributions, startup funding of nearly 20 Innovation Center businesses, and the donation of over 20 fully developed lots to the UW-Whitewater Foundation’s real estate subsidiary.
A staple of downtown Whitewater for more than 160 years, FCSB is among the top 10 financial supporters in UW-Whitewater’s history. The bank supports scholarships, fellowships, academic awards, discretionary funds, events, and other projects that strengthen the university while amplifying the university’s academic programming, especially in the College of Business and Economics, Wisconsin’s largest business school.
The bank’s support for the Warhawk Emergency Fund, academic programs, Warhawk Athletics, and student organizations reflects a deep commitment to helping Warhawks succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
“The synergy of this long-standing relationship has leveraged the positive impact that our two organizations have been able to make in this region of the State,” said Jim Caldwell, First Citizens State Bank chief executive officer and director. “It is truly an honor to be able to partner with UW-Whitewater — in my opinion, the best campus in the Wisconsin system. We are fortunate to have this valuable resource in our community and proud to have supported its growth and student enrichment. We are also grateful for the many highly educated staff members we have benefited from over the years.”
An advocate of UW-Whitewater and the Universities of Wisconsin as highlighted in the Mascots on Main project, First Citizens State Bank is also a valued business partner to the university, providing treasury management services to the Foundation at no cost.
Contestant Noah Stamsta, back to camera, presents to judges, from left, Rob Olson, Dustin Huerte, Jim Caldwell and Tim Carr. Six contestants participated in the final round of the Elevator Pitch Competition sponsored by the UW-Whitewater Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO), held at the Whitewater Innovation Center on Wednesday, October 11, 2017. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)
The bank’s team members have participated as panelists, advisors, and judges for campus organizations, including Launch Pad, Financial Management Association, Enactus, the Financial Economic Research Center (FERC), and more.
UW-Whitewater alums employed at First Citizens State Bank in Whitewater pose in their Warhawk gear for a photo as part of National College Colors Day on August 30, 2024. (Submitted photo)
Currently, 34 percent of the staff at the Whitewater branch are either UW-Whitewater students or alums, another showcase of the strong ties between the two entities.
Farshad Maltes, left, of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, and Jim Caldwell of First Citizens State Bank in Whitewater walk into the building. University, city and state officials came to the site where the UW-Whitewater Community Engagement Center was built at 1260 West Main Street in Whitewater for a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018. (UW-Whitewater photo/Craig Schreiner)
Caldwell and his wife, Julie, are longtime private supporters of the university, impacting many areas in arts, athletics, and more. Their many contributions include the Jim & Julie Caldwell Endowed Professorship in banking. Caldwell served as a Board Director for the Foundation, including as Chair, and is an Emeritus Board member, serving the Board of Directors for more than 30 years.
First Citizens State Bank was recognized by UW-Whitewater and the Universities of Wisconsin during an award presentation on Friday, Oct. 24, at the University Center.
About UW-Whitewater
At the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, we inspire, engage and transform lives. Founded in 1868, we serve more than 12,000 students and celebrate more than 100,000 alumni around the world. Our faculty and staff are devoted to student success on our Whitewater campus, our Rock County campus, and our vibrant online environment. We prepare innovative, resilient students with outstanding skills that make them strong candidates for 21st-century careers and community leadership. We embrace our priority mission to serve students with disabilities. Home to the Warhawk family, UW-Whitewater delivers a supportive, caring culture with an entrepreneurial spirit and championship drive.
About the Universities of Wisconsin
The Universities of Wisconsin serve approximately 164,400 students. Awarding more than 37,000 degrees annually, these 13 public universities are Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in-state Universities of Wisconsin graduates stay in the state five years after earning a degree. The universities provide a 23:1 return on state investment. The Universities of Wisconsin also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy. Learn more at wisconsin.edu.
About First Citizens State Bank
At First Citizens State Bank, our mission is to provide comprehensive, high-quality financial services and support within our local communities, while upholding the trust we have earned as a locally owned financial institution. We are committed to building long-term relationships based on respect and integrity, offering innovative, reliable, and personalized solutions. With over 160 years of history as our foundation, we remain dedicated to fostering community growth, ensuring financial stability, and empowering individuals, businesses, and organizations to achieve their goals. First Citizens State Bank has full-service offices in Whitewater, East Troy and Palmyra. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.
