Peoples Bank contributed to a unique program at Wilmington College, the Critical Needs Fund. It helps to ensure that students within sight of graduating have the financial support necessary when family assistance, loans, grants and other forms of financial aid have been exhausted.
Peoples Senior Vice President David Yarborough, Andrea Ahlers, Wilmington branch manager; and Kassandra Harris, assistant branch manager, visited WC’s campus on Aug. 28 to present a $2,000 check to bolster the fund. Yarborough noted how having such an entity for students in need reflects a “Quaker approach to community,” while Ahlers said it’s the type of student support that “makes Wilmington College so special.”
WC President Corey Cockerill, along with Tammy Shadley, vice president/chief alumni and advancement officer, and Sydney Murtland, director of individual giving, were on hand to thank the bank for its support for WC students.
Shadley shared a story that reflects the generosity of Wilmington College supporters. She recalled a few years ago finding one of her student workers crying, lamenting that she wouldn’t be returning for her senior year. The student needed to take a required summer course and, while her summer jobs would cover her senior year’s tuition, she was unable to secure funds for the summer class. Indeed, she was working both on-campus and off-campus jobs, had taken on the maximum student loan debt and her family’s unexpected medical expenses prohibited their assistance. “The cost of the summer class was $2,400, but to her it might as well have been $24,000,” said Shadley, who shared the situation with a “longtime faithful donor.” Before she could finish, they offered to write a check for the $2,400.
“That day, the donor was able to change the trajectory of her life,” Shadley added. “That money went into our Critical Needs Fund and, because of it, she was able to graduate and is now a teacher.” Epilogue: A member of the advancement team later shared that story with another donor, who was so touched that they not only contributed to the same fund but also endowed it, so the fund is always generating earnings.
Peoples Bank now has its fingerprints on the Critical Needs Fund, which is administered by the Office of Financial Aid. Those interested in supporting the program should contact WC’s Office of Advancement.
TOP PHOTO: Pictured from the left are: Tammy Shadley, vice president/chief alumni and advancement officer; Sydney Murtland, director of individual giving; Corey Cockerill, president; David Yarborough, senior vice president and commercial team lead for southwest Ohio; Andrea Ahlers, Wilmington Branch manager; and Kassandra Harris, assistant Wilmington Branch manager.