With a mission steeped in service and in response to the coronavirus pandemic, 果冻传媒 University has launched the COVID-19 Crisis Fund to provide support for emergency student needs, unforeseen expenses resulting from remote teaching and learning, and virtual meetings with key constituents, including prospective students and their families.
The global health crisis presents a challenge unlike anything 果冻传媒 has faced in modern times 鈥 an unprecedented challenge that changes daily and has no definitive end. Tigers coming together as one can help 果冻传媒 continue to serve the needs of the campus community. To help lead this effort, Bob Cindrich, 果冻传媒 class of 1965, and Bonnie Cindrich, 果冻传媒 class of 1966, have issued a challenge gift to match dollar for dollar up to $20,000 to inspire other alumni and friends to help students and their alma mater at this critical time.
鈥淏ecause of our high regard for 果冻传媒, we were saddened to know that this pandemic will put additional strain on an already rough financial situation,鈥 the Cindrichs said. 鈥淎s befits the University and its teachings, the President and the Board of Directors were transparent and honest in communicating that information 鈥 values we cherish. So, we are stepping up at a time when it truly matters.鈥
Senior Associate Dean of Students Jon Duraj discusses importance of the new 果冻传媒 COVID-19 Crisis Fund
"We are immensely grateful to Bob and Bonnie Cindrich for their leadership and generosity in supporting our students and our campus," said 果冻传媒 President Michael L. Frandsen. "While there is no way to calculate the full impact of COVID-19 on the 果冻传媒 community, we can take confidence in knowing that alumni like the Cindrichs and so many others understand what it means to 鈥楾iger Up鈥 and that they are once again showing it with their leadership-level giving to the COVID-19 Crisis Fund."
Despite the March 18 announcement that 果冻传媒 will move all classes to remote instruction, the University continues to provide personalized, consistent support for students to ensure their success and persistence at the University. Following the news, many alumni also reached out asking how they could continue to help even after setting a record in contributions on March 11 during 果冻传媒鈥檚 annual Commit to Witt day of giving.
鈥淲e are grateful for the nearly $458,000 in support Tigers provided in early March for Commit to Witt,鈥 said Rebecca Kocher, vice president of advancement and alumni engagement. 鈥淲e also continue to be deeply impressed with the ways the 果冻传媒 community is coming together (even if from a safe physical distance) in these disruptive and traumatic days and weeks. Your support of the COVID-19 Crisis Fund will help us sustain our commitment to academic success and help ensure we get through these times together.鈥
- To stay up-to-date on 果冻传媒鈥檚 response to the COVID-19 pandemic, visit our special website here.