News

Student Government Association Finds $45K for Student Scholarships

'11th Hour' Scholarship Funds Made the Difference for Several Students

08/18/09

A number of Wilmington College students caught in the weak economy’s credit crunch can thank their peers for helping them afford to attend school this fall.

The Student Government Association presented $45,000 from its coffers to fund student scholarships. The gift will not adversely impact this year’s funding of student activities.

It is the result of monies that, over the course of the last five-plus years, were allocated to student groups but never spent. The accumulated funds rolled over as each budget year concluded and formed a hefty reserve account.

This summer it was suggested that depositing it in WC’s scholarship fund might ease the financial burden experienced by many students as loans, grants and other forms of financial aid have gotten harder to come by.
SGA had a special summer meeting with members meeting at WC and via telephone and email that resulted in a windfall for fellow students.

Sigrid Solomon, dean of students, said she is impressed with the compassion students have for one another.
“SGA was concerned that some students could not afford the cost of returning to College this fall — and they wanted to do something about it,” she said.

“They should feel good knowing that their generous decision might have positively changed the life of an anonymous student they pass on the mall, sit across the room from at lunch or share a discussion with in class.”

Solomon stressed that designating those funds for student scholarships did not change any of the activity programs planned for the 2009-10 academic year. In fact, money from that same overage account was used to pay off the debt on equipment in the Pyle Center Fitness Room.

Also, a contingency fund exists in the event additional funding is needed this year as a result of unforeseen circumstances.

Frank Glazer, vice president for College advancement, said the advancement team plans to share this information with those from whom they are seeking financial support for WC’s programs.

“Alumni and friends of the College will be impressed to learn about students’ generosity and caring for their peers,” he said. “Since coming here in February, I’ve found Wilmington College to be a very caring community.”
Solomon echoed those sentiments.

“With all the thousands of hours of voluntary service engaged in each year by our students, it doesn’t surprise me that they wanted to do what they could to help those close to home,” she said. “I’m more than impressed.”