Giving Week: Our students need your help
By Thomas Shefchik, Vice President of Advancement
The impact of COVID-19 has certainly been felt throughout all our lives. For myself, it has meant making changes in my family life — canceled family vacations, postponed celebrations, the sports season passing without the opportunity to compete, and for a few weeks, being a high, middle, and elementary school teacher. Certainly, these are small inconveniences compared to the drastic challenges many in our community and nation have experienced.
I am proud to share that the college has put the safety of our students and employees at the forefront from the beginning. We know the mission of the college has always been important to the community, but at this moment in time, it is evident the mission of the college is critical to us living our lives with the carefree nature to which we are accustomed.
In March, the service industry, and the many industries in which part-time work is the norm, were impacted by COVID-19. It became evident that many Bellin College students would be dramatically impacted. Already at that time, there were a growing concern from administrators, employees, and students that returning to school in the fall may not be an option for some of our students. It is with that clarity of the impending setback that the Future Healthcare Heroes Fund was created.
The money in the fund is restricted to be distributed to students that have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 crises and awarded in the form of tuition. Students were given the opportunity to apply for support from the Future Healthcare Heroes Fund. As part of the application process, students were asked to self identify what their total losses of income were related to COVID-19. The total from the 98 students that replied was $318,000. While we were able to help many students, we were not able to meet the total need.
As the pandemic continues, the need to support this fund is compounding. The is why this year’s Giving Week will benefit the Future Healthcare Heroes fund. My hope is that many of you will be there to help our students in need so that they can be there when you may need them. If you wish to contribute to this fund, please visit www.bellincollege.edu/givingweek
While many of our events had to be canceled in 2020 and we weren’t able to celebrate our newest alumni at the Breakfast Social, honor the anniversary classes at Homecoming, thank our generous scholarship donors at Scholarship Salute or hit the golf course for the 20th annual Bellin College Golf Classic, we want you to know how much we appreciate all of your various forms of ongoing support. It is because of you the college is strong and making a difference in the lives of so many. We are optimistic about a better 2021. Planning for a return to the links for a successful golf outing also is underway.
Bellin College is poised to continue to develop and evolve to meet the growing needs for healthcare professionals. Bellin College is doing great things but needs your continued support. I look forward to hearing from you and discussing ways you might help us create the future.
Contact Thomas Shefchik by phone at (920) 433-4306 or by email at Thomas.shefchik@ bellincollege.edu.
