Support BGSU students on #GivingTuesdayNow

Event to help University continue to meet unprecedented need of Student Emergency Fund

By Anne-Margaret Swary

Gifts to Bowling Green State University on #GivingTuesdayNow will help the University continue to meet the unprecedented need of the Student Emergency Fund.

GivingTuesdayNow is a new global day of giving and unity taking place in addition to the regularly scheduled #GivingTuesday this fall as an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. The event hopes to spark an increase in grassroots generosity, citizen engagement, business and philanthropy activation, and support for communities and nonprofits around the world.

The Student Emergency Fund supports current students who are experiencing financial hardships, accidents, illnesses or other emergency situations that jeopardize their ability to remain a student at BGSU. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the University is prioritizing requests related to housing and food, as well as reliable internet access during the online learning period.

Gifts to both funds can be made at the Falcon Relief Website

Nearly $130,000 has been generously donated to the Student Emergency Fund since March, but more support is needed to meet the continued influx of requests for assistance.

Two matching gifts from BGSU College of Business Dean Ray Braun '80 and Dr. Theresa Popp Braun '80, '85 will help double the impact of all gifts made to the Student Emergency Fund on Tuesday, May 5, as part of the worldwide #GivingTuesdayNow initiative.

To encourage philanthropic support to this much-needed and impactful student resource, they are matching all new gifts dollar for dollar up to $10,000. In addition, Theresa Popp Braun is asking supporters of BGSU Firelands to remember the pride and passion George Mylander ’58, ’70, ’03 (Hon.) had for Firelands students, public education and the local community by making a gift to the Firelands Emergency Aid for Students Fund. She is matching all new gifts to the fund, dollar for dollar, up to $5,000.

“These funds are critical to helping our students stay on their path to graduation,” said Chris Bullins, BGSU dean of students. “Some of our students are facing particularly challenging circumstances due to financial hardship, and these funds are a lifeline for them. I’d like to personally thank everyone who has made a gift to the fund so far to help our students in need.”