MSU BILLINGS FOUNDATION NEWS—Tuesday, May 5, marks the inaugural #GivingTuesdayNow, a global event to raise funds for coronavirus-related needs. The MSU Billings Foundation joins the movement to crowdfund support for MSUB students most impacted by the pandemic.
On #GivingTuesdayNow, the foundation will share MSU Billings students, staff, faculty, and alumni stories. Their stories demonstrate the unique obstacles they’ve faced through these unparalleled times on campus and in the community.
Student-athlete Will Heward, graduating this month from the university’s public relations master’s degree program, is just one example of how the pandemic has impacted the Yellowjacket student body.
“The hardest part has been not being able to have any closure with baseball and school –- no Senior Day or final baseball game, and no commencement ceremony for graduating with my masters,” Heward said.
Due to social distancing measures in place, the university postponed its commencement ceremony to December 2020.
Current students are feeling the effects of the pandemic, too. One-third of MSUB students are non-traditional, and 46% attend part-time. These factors make the financial impacts especially difficult on new and returning Yellowjackets. Workforce layoffs, record unemployment, and child care challenges leave the future uncertain for many students. They may not be able to prioritize higher education over other pressing needs.
The MSU Billings Foundation’s efforts on #GivingTuesdayNow will alleviate the financial strain faced by these students. All gifts made during the event are matched through the Montana Access Scholarship. Donations allow the foundation the opportunity to award 250 students with $1,000 scholarships in the coming academic year.
“We’re asking if the community will stand with the Yellowjacket family to support students when they need it most,” said Bill Kennedy, MSUB Foundation president, and CEO. “Thank you for uniting with us to continue a long legacy of quality education and workforce preparedness at Montana State University Billings.”
Matched donations to this scholarship can be made online at giving.msubillings.edu. The website will be live the entire month of May.