Alumni, donors respond to student needs during COVID-19 crisis
 

April 27 update: To date, we are approaching $33,000 to help respond to student financial challenges. Thank you for the many ways you impact the lives of our students especially during this extraordinary time of uncertainty.

March 27, 2020 – Responding to student financial challenges prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, University of Wisconsin-River Falls alumni and donors have contributed nearly $13,000 to a Student Emergency Fund – halfway to the goal of raising $25,000 for students facing critical needs.

“The Falcon family has once again responded generously during a time of crisis,” said Rick Foy, assistant chancellor for University Advancement. “We thank everyone who has already supported the emergency fund, and ask our alumni, donors and friends to continue to thoughtfully consider a contribution. The student needs are growing and immediate.”

Gifts to the fund help students meet pressing financial challenges, including utilities, housing, rent, food, medical and dental expenses, educational-related expenses to facilitate new remote learning, and loss of employment income both for students and their families.

A comment from a UWRF senior majoring in criminology offers a glimpse into the sudden challenges faced by students:

“I haven't been able to work for the past three weeks due to being extremely ill. I am unable to ask for money from my parents because they are deceased. It is also hard for me to ask for money from my siblings since we are all struggling financially right now.”

Tax deductible contributions to the UWRF Foundation may be made to support the student emergency fund at https://www.uwrf.edu/give/uwrf-student-emergency-fund.cfm

Students facing financial difficulties may apply for assistance at https://www.uwrf.edu/Student-Success/EmergencyGrantLoanProgram.cfm 

For more on how UWRF is meeting the challenges of the COVID-19 emergency, visit https://www.uwrf.edu/COVID-19/

 

For more information, contact Foy at 715-425-4291 or richard.foy@uwrf.edu.