Emergency Assistance Scholarship Fund
Many students have cobbled together packages of scholarships, grants, and loans in order to attend St. Mary's. But given the strains on the U.S. economy, the number of families who are applying for financial aid for the first time because of lost jobs, medical emergencies, home foreclosures, and the cumulative cost of education is increasing.
To respond to this urgent need - as more and more of our students find themselves challenged by the limits of personal resources and federal assistance - the St. Mary's College of Maryland Foundation and the Office of Financial Aid created this fund to support students who have sudden, drastic changes in their economic situations. Contributions to this fund go directly to students struggling to complete their St. Mary's education. Our students would not be here if they were not capable of the College's intellectual rigor. We know our students can succeed academically, meritoriously, if just given the opportunity.
Jessica Clayton is changing her major from psychology to political science with the hope of pursuing either a public policy double major or minor. After graduation, she is considering entering the U. S. Navy to become an officer with the potential to earn a master's degree in communications. Jess enjoys a variety of clubs, organizations and programs, especially the dance club and her role as an orientation leader. Jessica's experience at the college has been marked by extreme growth and positive change - she has embraced "The St. Mary's Way" as a proactive and positive member of the college community.
Cory Young '14 is undecided about his major (so far he has taken a liking to philosophy), but he is fairly certain that he will pursue a minor in math. Cory participates in high school outreach panels and enjoys the diversity of the campus community and activities. During the spring semester of his first year, Cory faced a severe financial hardship with the loss of a $7,000 grant. Working closely with the Office of Financial Aid, Cory received relief from the Emergency Assistance Scholarship Fund. For Cory, college has not only been about adapting to the rigor of study, but discovering the overwhelming support of the St. Mary's community.
Stephanie Owoundi '13 is majoring in political science; at this point, she is not sure whether she wants to pursue a career in foreign affairs or law, but she definitely wants to get a graduate degree. In her free time, she enjoys playing sports, especially rugby and soccer, and just getting to know her new community. Stephanie has already learned that the St. Mary's community is infinite, willing, and generous in support of its students. In the midst of her recent transfer to St. Mary's, Stephanie discovered that a loan that she was counting on did not come through but a grant from the Emergency Assistance Scholarship Fund enabled her to continue at St. Mary's and concentrate on her studies.
St. Mary's College of Maryland Foundation receives $1,000 from graduating senior.
Moved by his peers who are struggling to stay in school because of financial hardship, a student made a substantial gift of scholarship aid. This gift comes from his personal savings – birthday celebrations, summer employment, and rainy day deposits – money that was intended for his segue into the real world. When he graduates in May, he has no promise of job security and he has bills to pay, but he made the greatest contribution. He gave altruistically and to the best of his ability.
Dino Vilson '09, who graduated with a degree in biology with a concentration in neuroscience now works in Baltimore at the University of Maryland School of Medicine as a research assistant in ophthalmology and he volunteers once a week in the shock trauma unit at the University of Maryland Medical Center. He wants to be a pediatrician. While a student here, Dino received an emergency assistance scholarship grant and has already returned the favor and made a gift himself. "I just knew I had to donate something," he said.
