Donations Continue to Increase for Student Emergency Support Fund

Since President Richard Helldobler asked alumni and friends last month to support William Paterson students dealing with emergency financial challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly $76,000 has been raised by alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the University.

Among those who responded was Joseph Velli ’80, a member of the University’s board of Trustees, who with his family donated $10,000 to the Student Emergency Support Fund.

“With everything that is going on due to the coronavirus, I know that many students are facing issues and burdens, and many may have financial difficulties,” he says. “For those who can afford it, this is the time to help out by making a contribution.”

Velli, who earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1980, worked part-time while earning his degree, “My family was not well-off,” he says, adding that he identifies with the issues many current students might face. “William Paterson set the stage for the rest of my life,” he says. “The University taught me to rise to the occasion and I am grateful to have the opportunity with my family to give back.”

In addition to Velli, nearly 250 other donors have made contributions to the fund, including The Henry and Marilyn Taub Foundation, which provided a generous $15,000 grant.

According to Pam Ferguson, vice president for institutional advancement, there is tremendous need. “To date, we have received more than 1,200 applications from students, and we are disbursing the funds on an ongoing basis,” she says, explaining that the average amount awarded per student has been approximately $285. “Our students are persevering despite many challenges, and we expect the need to continue.”

Among those who have been awarded grants are:

• A student who resides with her mother who is a first responder and was recently hospitalized for COVID-19. The student became unemployed due to the pandemic and is home by herself. She requested assistance in purchasing groceries.
• A student who worked the third shift, as it enabled her to attend classes and care for her three-year-old son. The employment agency which placed her in the job is now closed and she's been unable to find another third shift job. She asked for help in paying her rent and utilities. Without access to the internet, she won't be able to complete the semester. 
• A student who worked part-time and helped his parents out with household expenses and the cost of his mother's medication. In March, the student's employer was forced to close and his father was hospitalized for a non-COVID medical issue and subsequently tested positive for COVID-19. The student hasn't been able to find a new job and has used his savings which he planned to use for summer tuition classes. He requested help with his family's rent and utility bills.

“We are incredibly grateful that so many members of University community have stepped up and are continuing to support our students,” says Ferguson. “We know that this is a difficult time for many, so these donations in support of our students are very meaningful.”

Anyone interested in making a donation to support the fund may click the link below:

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05/18/20