Washburn University Foundation board of trustees makes gift to student emergency fund

Topeka, Kan. – The Washburn University Foundation board of trustees gave $25,000 to the Washburn University student emergency fund today to help students facing financial emergencies during the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the local community.

“We know many students are facing difficult decisions because of the loss of a job or having their hours cut,” said Marshall Meek, president, Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation.

“Financial emergencies can often lead to students not finishing their education, and we are grateful this gift will allow many students to stay in school.”

The student emergency fund at Washburn is run by the student philanthropy organization, Ichabods Moving Forward, under the guidance of the Washburn University Alumni Association and Foundation. Students enrolled in six hours or more of coursework can apply for the funds through the organization.

A group of students then reviews the anonymous applications, and with assistance from the Foundation and the University’s Financial Aid office, they help the student solve the crisis so they can complete the semester.

Ichabods Moving Forward works to raise money for the emergency fund throughout the year and awarded its first grant in May 2019. The organization is poised to be able to assist more students as the pandemic progresses.

“We are a group of students committed to helping out other students,” said Clare Bindley, a member of the Ichabods Moving Forward executive council. “We are very grateful for this gift and know it will be put to good use as we work together to make sure students complete their education even if they experience a difficult financial situation.”

For more information about Ichabods Moving Forward or to make a gift to the organization, visit www.wualumni.org/ichabodsmovingforward.