One of Greensboro’s fastest-growing companies has contributed to the largest university in the city.

Greensboro-based Market America Inc. has pledged $125,000 to UNCG to establish the Market America Graduate Fellowship fund. The gift to the Students First Campaign is the largest gift in Market America’s 13-year history and will be used to fund graduate fellowships for students in the Bryan School of Business and Economics. The fellowships will be open to Bryan School graduate students with initial preference to candidates in the new information systems and economics Ph.D. programs.

“Market America’s continued success relies heavily on Internet technology,” said Market America Chief Operating Officer Marc Ashley. “By investing in the future of Internet technology, we are ensuring our company will remain on the cutting edge. These fellowships and UNCG’s commitment to information and technology management will give us access to a very talented pool of future leaders. Because of the need for highly qualified workers, it just makes sense to contribute to an institution that produces such high-caliber professionals.”

Established in 1992, Market America employs more than 300 people worldwide and has been noted as one of the top-50-fastest growing companies in the Triad. This year alone, the corporation plans to hire for more than 40 positions, mostly in information technology. Market America focuses on product brokerage, internet marketing, one-to-one marketing and mass customization marketing. Two of the corporation’s senior officials, Ashley and Executive Vice President of International Development Joe Bolyard, are graduates of the Bryan School.

“Marc Ashley and Joe Bolyard are among the shining stars of the Bryan School and represent a new generation of Triad success stories,” said Dr. Jim Weeks, dean of the Bryan School of Business and Economics. “With its global operations headquartered in Greensboro, Market America is a positive force in the Triad’s economy. We are delighted about their gift to the Bryan School and the impact it will have for our students.”

The pledge has been made as part of the Students First Campaign, UNCG’s $78.2 million capital fund drive that is currently under way. More than $25.1 million has been raised toward that goal.