Students can plan for tests, essays and most aspects of academic life, but sometimes unplanned circumstances change everything. Unpredictable situations like a death in the family, unexpectedly unemployment and many others can cause financial problems for students.
The reality of students facing these issues prompted the establishment of the Ole Miss Family Fund Endowment, a new non-profit program initiated by the Parents Leadership Council and the Office of Student Affairs.
The Ole Miss Family Fund offers financial support to all students facing family emergencies and personal deprivations through fundraising efforts. This safety net provides students with the opportunity for financial aid when experiencing hardships or having to undergo a financially unstable lifestyle. The fund imparts a micro-grant, or small sum of money, to individual students for them utilize during their certain situation.
Co-Director of Student Affairs Lyda Phillips helped in the establishment of the fund. Phillips is currently working toward the progression of the emergency assistance fund, searching for different ways to raise money to put toward the endowment.
“We are reaching out mainly to student organizations on campus as well as the Greek community not only to raise financial funds, but raise social awareness to all UM students on the availability of the new fund,” Phillips said.
The fund is a student-led campaign, allowing students to be eligible to receive the fund and also participate in the fundraising efforts. A diverse pool of organizations and people from the University community have already contributed to the fund.
“We are extremely appreciative for the support and donations from the Ole Miss community. The considerate assistance and encouragement from Vice Chancellor Brandi Hephner LeBlanc, Delta Gamma and the athletic program is amazing,” Phillips said. “They came together as a united front in order to aid the success of the Ole Miss Family Emergency Fund.”
Junior pharmacy major Kennedy Clark found out about the fund through supporters. Clark said he believes the fund will strengthen the unity of the University community.
“I love that the Ole Miss Family Emergency Fund promotes generosity to all UM students, and helps individuals going through those hard times continue their education at Ole Miss,” Clark said. “It’s heartwarming to know that the school has my back.”
Mr. Ole Miss William Kneip and Miss Ole Miss Mary Elizabeth Kakalas have also been an active force behind the advancement of the fund.
“Everyday we hear students, faculty and alumni say that Ole Miss is a family,” Kneip said. “As a family it’s our duty to provide Student Affairs with the necessary funds they need to ensure that every student here has the chance to stay enrolled at the University when struck with tragedy.”
Kneip said the fund is an integral addition to the Division of Student Affairs.
“I’ve seen a handful of individuals who I’ve come to know and build relationships with have to leave Ole Miss because of hardships, tragedy and sicknesses,” Kneip said. “The withdrawal of these students from the University could have easily been avoided with the help of this fund.”
As the Ole Miss Family Fund continues to grow through fundraising efforts, Kneip and Kakalas have decided to focus their fall platform on the promoting the fund.
“This fall the community will see a very strong social media campaign by Kakalas and I, as well as other organizations, to hopefully generate some profit for this fund, allowing every student here to become knowledgeable of the (Ole Miss Family Fund) and help it flourish,” Kneip said.
