Final Thoughts

As I hope you have seen in this issue of EASTERN Magazine, the University community has responded to the global pandemic over the past year with ingenuity, grit and tenacity — traits Eastern has often demonstrated over the decades. It has been heartwarming to see the determination and perseverance demonstrated by students, faculty, staff and alumni in responding to a world crisis not seen before in our lifetimes.

Based on the forecasts of healthcare professionals, the world community will continue to grapple with COVID-19 for months to come. While the promise of broad immunization is on the horizon, the virus has caused significant harm to many Eastern students. Some have lost family and friends. Others have found their studies interrupted by the stress of this new normal. Many students, already dependent on financial aid to support their educations, have found themselves in even more difficult circumstances. For some, family members who were providing financial support are now unemployed. Other students have seen their own jobs suspended. Rent, tuition, textbooks and other living expenses must still be managed.

Supporting students with scholarships, emergency funds and other assistance has never been more important. In these times, financial contributions to our unrestricted fund can also allow the ECSU Foundation the flexibility to address unanticipated student and University needs.

The good news is that Eastern donors have responded to these unprecedented times with renewed philanthropic spirit and a commitment to the students and families who have put their faith in us. A recent example was the very successful #WarriorsGive fundraising appeal that took place in November, when more than 325 donors stepped up in support of students with unmet needs.

Another example of the support we continue to receive is the generosity of our major donors, who collectively have given the University more than $600,000 in the current fiscal year. In these extraordinary times, we were especially grateful to the Polly Bogue ’77 estate, Herbert and Nell Singer Foundation, Nellie Mae Foundation, SBM Foundation, Laurie Funk, Dottie Carlyle ’56, Paul Joubert, Darrell Stock ’80, and Theresa ’70 and Raymond Kalber, for making gifts of $20,000 or more. Whether large gifts or smaller donations, the charitable contributions of our supporters are providing hundreds of Eastern students with critical financial assistance in a time of great need.

I thank all the alumni and other supporters who have answered the call. I am truly grateful for your support, as we move into 2021 with a commitment to making Eastern an even stronger university. With your continued help, I am confident about the future of Eastern and the well-being of our students.

Kenneth J. DeLisa

Vice President for Institutional Advancement