The Student Emergency Fund took on importance during the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic, helping students who experienced financial hardships.
Hurricane Ian was another hardship, affecting our students who, in a matter of 36 hours, had to evacuate the campus. There were also students who experienced material loss as a result of the hurricane’s impact.
Associate Vice President of Advancement Kevin Hughes, says, “In response, so many of our alumni and friends stepped forward to assist our students, which demonstrates the close-knit nature of the New College community and our donors’ willingness to help students in their time of need.”
The numbers tell the story. Starting within just a few days after the hurricane, 140 donors stepped forward to give a total of $20,544. So far, $10,991 has been given to students who applied for assistance. Their needs ranged from transportation, food while off campus, temporary housing, supplies for clean-up, and replacement of food that was spoiled during power outages.
Dany Rizzo, a young alum from 2012, was one of those who stepped up. She says, “When I was student, I was by myself. I couldn’t go back at home at the time as my parents were homeless. I know how much it means when other people are there to help and what it’s like to be a student and you don’t have a lot of money. I thought this would be a good way to directly help the students.”
We are most grateful to our New College community for your assistance at such a critical time for our students.