Faculty & Staff Giving CampaignDear Friends and Colleagues, About a year ago I volunteered alongside a student at a Cougs in the Community event. We got to talking, and they told me although they were experiencing homelessness and struggling to make ends meet, they were able to continue their education thanks to donor-supported scholarships, and faculty and staff who cared about them. I ran into that student recently; they told me they’re about to graduate and plan to pursue their master’s degree. It was then when I truly understood how my donations to WSU Vancouver are making a difference. In the wake of the COVID-19 crisis, students need our support more than ever. So many have lost their jobs, and are struggling to balance schoolwork and family responsibilities. Many students—including 100% of our undocumented students—are not eligible for stimulus money provided by the CARES act. I am excited to donate during the Faculty & Staff Giving Campaign this year and hope you will join me because we have the opportunity to provide a safety net for students. The WSU Foundation has set up a Student Emergency Fund and is waiving its administration fees. Every dollar donated to this fund will reach our most vulnerable students. I want to encourage anyone who is able and willing to donate during the Faculty & Staff Giving Campaign to visit the online giving webpage, and give today. Our gifts can help a student feed their family, pay their rent or continue their education. I am fortunate to have the opportunity to work remotely during this time. I am in a house and should be OK financially. If I have extra funds to give—even if it’s a small amount—I know it will make a big difference for a student. And WSU Vancouver students are some of the most deserving students I have ever known. Go VanCougs! Shyanna Reyes P.S. Learn more by visiting the Faculty & Staff Giving Campaign webpage. |