Emergency Fund Donations Support Students in Need 

As spring blooms at UAlbany, some students are struggling with financial hardships brought about by the COVID-19 crisis. The Student Emergency Fund has stepped up to help. (Photo by Patrick Dodson)

ALBANY, N.Y. (April 23, 2020) – An international student in need of housing support. An undergrad who can’t afford a plane ticket home — or the rent needed to stay in Albany. A School of Business student who could no longer afford needed medications after losing a job in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

As shutdowns aimed at stalling the spread of the novel coronavirus impact all aspects of school, work and home life, students in need are getting a boost from UAlbany’s Student Emergency Fund.

The fund, which gives grants, equipment and gift cards to students experiencing hardship, has helped 205 students since mid-March, with gifts totaling more than $167,000.

Each situation is different. There’s the undergraduate who is dealing not only with the tragedy of losing a family member to COVID-19, but with lost financial support as the family copes with funeral costs and a loss of income. There are students who need food, and students who need computers to complete their coursework online.

Individuals, organizations and corporations are stepping up to help. One alum offered to match donations up to $25,000. And Ernst & Young requested that up to $25,000 from an existing gift be used to provide a dollar for dollar match for new donations to the Student Emergency Fund.

You can help, too. A donation in any amount to either the Student Emergency Fund or the Student Scholarship Fund will assist students struggling to finish their education.

And the gifts are appreciated. “Wow! What a tremendous blessing,” one student said. “I feel so humbled and grateful to be supported by my school in a time of need. Thank you so much.”

“This grant has paid for my rent and allowed me to have a roof over my head in my last semester at UAlbany,” another student wrote. “I also am extremely appreciative of the Walmart gift card, as it helped me buy groceries. This pandemic has been very hard on everyone and it is wonderful to see the school help students like this. I truly appreciate all that you are doing.”

Another thankful student is already thinking of ways to pay it forward once the crisis ends: “Being awarded this money really warmed my heart,” the student wrote. “It makes me feel valued that in these tough times, where my family isn't able to help me, the donors and institution have caught me from falling, and for that I will be forever grateful. I am happy to be a Great Dane because not many institutions, especially public, provide this kind of support. If there ever is a time that you all might need me, please don't hesitate to reach out.”

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