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Senior Class Responds to Coronavirus Crisis
For months, your senior class officers have been raising funds for what we thought would be the Class of 2020’s lasting mark on campus: replacing the turf in front of the Grove stage.
But in March, everything changed for every student at the University of Mississippi.
The coronavirus crisis propelled the University to take all classes to online offerings. Students had to leave dorms. Some returned to their hometowns; for others, the trip home was expensive. As the City of Oxford adopted shelter-in-place rules, many no longer had the jobs we used to pay for expenses, housing and food.
Suddenly, our decision to improve the Grove – which seemed so important back in the fall – feels too small for the challenges facing every Ole Miss student. This crisis is unlike anything encountered by any other senior class in our University’s modern history.
So, we’re changing course to respond the best way we know how. The Class of 2020’s gift will now be directed to benefit the Student Emergency Fund.
Created years ago, the Student Emergency Fund helps students in crisis. Past examples of how the fund has helped Ole Miss students include assisting those who have lost their homes in a fire, who had to fly home to be with critically ill parents or who were facing medical costs from an unexpected illness or accident.
But according to the administrators of the Student Emergency Fund, the coronavirus crisis has put an unprecedented strain on the resources on hand. UM has never experienced so many students in financial need at the same time.
That’s why we – members of the Class of 2020 – feel led to help those in need. We are asking you to join with us in providing help for those hurting. We hope to make resources available to our fellow students in need as quickly as possible with our gifts.
Please give what you can today – every gift counts! Then, because this cause affects all students and their families, please share this campaign with friends and family members around the country.
This crisis will define the Class of 2020. But the crisis is not our legacy. The Class of 2020 will be remembered for reaching out in hard times to lift up others.
Please join the effort!
When your fellow students are in crisis, every single gift can make a difference, no matter the size. Everyone has a role in addressing urgent needs.
Administrators of the Emergency Fund are often able to respond to urgent student needs within 24 hours of the request.
Every one of the Class of 2020 is called to serve our Ole Miss family. Please step up to leave a legacy of service in trying times.
Created in 2012, the Emergency Fund has helped students who faced personal crises for years now. But in one month, more students have needed it than ever before.
The average grant given to students through the emergency fund in $500. Just $500 can make a huge impact on the life of a student in crisis -- they can buy food, transportation, pay their rent or pay an essential bill.
In 1848, the University of Mississippi opened its doors to its first class of 80 students. The University's come a long way since then. This May, more than 2,000 of us will graduate together -- even if we're apart.