Adapting to remote learning wasn't the only challenge that Lander University students faced when classes moved online in the wake of the COVIC-19 pandemic.
With students facing unexpected expenses and loss of employment, the Lander Foundation worked quickly to establish the COVID-19 Student Crisis Fund.
Lander nursing major Lauren Frierson was in the initial group of students to seek help from the Crisis Fund. Although her job at a local store in Greenwood is considered essential, her salary cannot cover her bills.
"The impact of the closing of campus and the overall switch to online learning have impacted me tremendously," said Frierson, 20, who transferred to Lander in the fall of 2019 from Belmont Abbey College to pursue a nursing degree. "I have to remain on campus through the rest of the Spring 2020 semester, and I have to remain on campus during my summer courses."
Frierson is among the first 10 students to be helped by the fund, although the Lander Foundation receives applications for assistance almost daily.
"Helping the Lander student community is even more critical right now," said Mike Worley, vice president of advancement and executive director for the Lander Foundation. "There is not a one-size-fits-all way to help the student community. Students are in need, and we want to help."
Because of the recognized need to help students with their financial concerns, Worley said Lander began working to develop the Crisis Fund immediately in March as the university was moving to online learning. It took only 17 days from the development of the fund, including receipt of the first donations, to granting funds to a student.
"We moved quickly from idea to implementation to the first award," said Worley. "The support from our alumni, faculty, staff and community donors is invaluable in this crisis."
Crisis Fund awards will be designated to:
Grateful for the support that she has received from the Crisis Fund, Frierson was not reluctant to seek support. "I knew that Lander University and the community are truthful and simply showed how much they care about us by offering to help in any way they can. I knew I would receive the help I needed."
Boyd Yarbrough, Lander's vice president for Student Affairs, said, "We are proud of students like Lauren and others who are deeply appreciative of the assistance that they are receiving. This helps them to get back on track and continue working and completing their education."
Moreover, Yarbrough said, they are learning an important lesson in philanthropy. "They will remember this assistance forever and be willing to help the next generation of students in need," he said.
It is beyond important, Frierson said, for a college or university or any type of program to have this type of service.
"I can guarantee that there are so many more students coming from difficult positions, such as my own, that could benefit greatly from the love and support this program is offering," she said.
"It is hard making a living for yourself, especially when you are a college student dealing with situations going on in your personal life and also being affected by what such a horrible virus has caused all of us," Frierson said.
"I can understand if some are nervous to reach out. But if I could, I would seriously encourage them to go for it and apply/ask for the help that Lander and the surrounding community are offering to us," she said.
Worley said the Crisis Fund is having a far-reaching influence on students, whose "thank you" letters have expressed gratitude and relief for the support.
"People want to help during this time of need, and the Crisis Fund gives them a vehicle that has a lot of impact," he said.
Yarbrough said Lander is touched by the overwhelming response from the fund's donors. "Their contributions have helped students keep their heads above water in an extremely difficult time, stay in school and continue working to complete their studies. It's tremendous."
Visit https://lander.harnessapp.com/wv2/campaign/1396 for information about the fund and donations.