PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (May 15, 2020) – There’s no denying that the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has negatively impacted the lives of many, including students at Prairie View A&M University. To help during this trying time, PVAMU’s Office of Development launched the #PVStrongerTogether campaign on May 1, as part of the global Giving Tuesday Now initiative.
So far, over 500 gifts from PVAMU’s generous donors have helped to raise $43,784 to benefit the Annual Fund and Hilltop Reserve Emergency Resource Center. The amount far exceeds previous Giving Tuesday gifts.
“The Annual Fund provides unrestricted financial assistance for current students’ immediate needs. The fund has been awarded for tuition, study abroad, conferences, and other experiences beyond the classroom,” explained Annual Fund Director LaShonda Williams ’97. “As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, our students needs have extended to include food security, housing, technology, and transportation.”
And, with over 95-percent of PVAMU students receiving some form of financial aid, the gifts are essential to prevent students from discontinuing their education due to lack of funds.
“After spring break when the COVID-19 pandemic really ramped up, we had almost 900 students who were still living on campus,” said Tondra Moore, Ph.D., executive director of Student Health Services. “The Hilltop Reserve was a reliable safety net, ensuring that our students had food and personal items. It was because of our PVAMU friends and family’s generosity that we were able to keep our students afloat.”
The Office of Development’s #PVStrongerTogether website will be active through May 30.
“These gifts are an investment in the next generation. Financial support now will contribute to graduation dreams becoming a reality,” said Williams. “Prairie View continues to be the choice of first-generation college students. With alumni and friends gifts, we will be able to help bridge the economic disparity gap, which will lead to student retention.”
Support for the Annual Fund is ongoing. Donors may enroll in monthly giving online and are urged to contact their HR departments about corporate matching opportunities.
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By Marley Crusch