Why I give

to the Student Emergency Fund

Many Davenport students were impacted by COVID-19 — the move to online classes, housing displacement and job furloughs aff ected many. The Davenport community stepped up and provided funding to help these students during this transition in their lives. We asked a few of our donors why giving to the Student Emergency Fund is important to them. Here’s what they had to say.

Cherie Reitzel

Assistant professor, nursing associate department chair, Davenport University – Warren Campus

“My husband and I are both college graduates and know the pitfalls students can fall into while attending college. We wanted to be able to give back and pay it forward to people in need of fi nancial assistance. The pandemic

impacted so many students and we knew they needed

help. At this time, we are not spending money on travel, dining out or on other extras, so we thought we could donate that money instead.”

Carol D. Moss RN, MSN, CDE

Adjunct nursing instructor, Davenport University – Warren Campus

“I was once a struggling student, and someone helped me. At Davenport, we have both traditional and nontraditional students. Although everyone’s

situation is diff erent, we all need a little help at some

point in life. Some returning adult students may be experiencing additional life concerns such as children, reduced work hours, etc. My donation is my small eff ort to help someone in need.”

Gerry Yon

’91 AS Computer Information Systems

Application support, Kent County Financial/HR/Payroll Systems

“Fortunately, my work has not been impacted by COVID-19. Looking back at my Davenport experience, in my second year, I was the recipient of the Dawn VanDyke-Hibbler Memorial Scholarship. I know how much Senior vice president of investments, Wells Fargo Securities

each other’s burdens, what

are we here for?’ I donate to organizations that address acute and immediate needs. If a person’s basic needs in life aren’t being met, it’s hard to focus on life goals – like an education. If my gift will help a student journey back home to their family or buy food to put on their table, then I’m happy to help. I am an investment professional and I consider the return on this relatively small amount to rank with the best investments I will ever make.”

Shelley Lowe

Director of career services, Davenport University “I support the Student Emergency Fund because it is essential our students feel valued and understood and that they

that support helped me and I thought it was important to give something back.”

have every opportunity to complete their degree programs successfully. The

emergency fund ensures that when something goes seriously wrong in their world, something can also

go right to help them remedy the problem and continue down their path

Bruce Peinton

’73 AS Sales & Marketing

“Decades ago, I read, ‘If not to carry

to success.”

Dr. Colleen Coughlin

Assistant professor, social sciences and co-chair, DEI Council, Davenport University – Grand Rapids

“When I was an undergraduate student struggling to make ends meet, I got to the end of my senior year and was short money for my fi nal school bill, even though I was working three parttime jobs and using my father’s GI bill discount. Through my own college’s emergency fund, my balance was paid off and I was able to graduate on time. When you have been given such a gift, you need to pass it along. I know

fi rsthand how unexpected hardships can create havoc and upheaval in a student’s

life. Helping with the emergency fund gave me a chance to give back and make today’s DU students’ lives just a bit better

and perhaps a bit less stressful.”