In March 2020, Saint Anselm College created the Anselmian Student Relief Fund to support students encountering financial emergencies that might prevent them from continuing their education on the Hilltop. Since then, the College has distributed $54,216 to 49 students.
Created as a response to the many emergency needs that arose from the COVID-19 pandemic, the fund provides a resource for students whose ability to complete the current academic term at Saint Anselm College may be at immediate risk.
Since being established, the Anselmian community has responded with generosity, 624 donors raised more than $92,500 to support the relief fund. This response has even come from current students.
“While this past academic year was unpredictable and unique for sure, as a committee we still felt so grateful to be together on the Hilltop one last time and we knew that without the Anselmian Student Relief fund, many of our peers and classmates would not have been able to return to the Hilltop for their senior year due to the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic,” explained Morgan Sweeney ’21, co-chair of the senior class gift committee, which designated the fund as one of their fundraising priorities.
Funds are distributed through a committee, who evaluate applications on a rolling basis. Funds have been distributed for everything from money for groceries and unexpected medical costs, to technology and travel expenses.
Rachel, a member of the class of 2023, worked two jobs before the pandemic. After receiving funding for groceries, books, and utility bills, she shared: “I am one of seven children and thanks to [the fund’s support], I was able to help my family get through this challenging season.”
Cameron, a member of the class of 2021, writes that the funding he received has, “lifted the financial burden off of my shoulders in a time where it could not have been more needed. I am so proud to be a part of such an amazing school and alumni body and I will be sure to one day pay this wonderful and generous gift forward to someone who needs it.”
While many of the immediate, emergency needs of the pandemic are past, the Anselmian Student Relief Fund will continue to raise and distribute funds.
“Currently, we are helping students with financial challenges out of their control such as emergency dental work or loss of the family home which forced one of our families into a temporary living situation in a hotel,” explained Elizabeth Keuffel, assistant vice president of enrollment & director of financial aid.
“Our focus is on emergent needs. That will occur long past the pandemic.”
Students facing serious financial hardship are encouraged to apply by completing an application and submitting it to studentrelief@anselm.edu. The Anselmian Student Relief Fund Committee will review all applications and funding shall be prioritized based on the severity of the situation.
Anyone interested in supporting students in need, can make a gift to the Anselmian Student Relief Fund.