Make or break: Fund to help students overcome unexpected expenses

During Mark Zeno’s final semester at Heidelberg in 1996, funds were running short, and he needed to pay his bill before graduation. He didn’t know where those resources were going to come from.

But Mark was lucky. University administrators learned of his situation, and within a couple of days, the necessary funds had been anonymously deposited into his Heidelberg account. He was able to graduate on time.

These types of emergencies crop up all the time, said Mark, now the assistant dean of students for Campus Life. “I personally know several students who have found themselves in this situation, through no fault of their own,” he said.

For other students, unforeseen expenses – such as a car repair or a medical bill – could be the make-or-break factor in determining whether they are able to stay in school and move toward graduation or drop out.

“We never want a student to have to make a tough choice like that,” Mark said.

Beginning this fall, they won’t have to.

Heidelberg has received a two-year, $115,500 grant to create an emergency fund to help students faced with unanticipated financial obstacles. Funding for the Heidelberg Student Emergency DASH Grant comes from the Great Lakes Higher Education Corporation & Affiliates – the same organization that provided funding to HU in 2015 to expand our student internship program.

At-risk students who qualify can receive a one-time payment of up to $1,000 to cover expenses such as car repairs, medical bills or travel in the case of a family emergency. Students must be at least sophomores. The grant stipulates that the emergency funds cannot be used to cover tuition. In all, about ‘Berg 450 students would be eligible to apply for funds through the program.

“By removing financial distractions, students can focus on their studies and keep moving toward graduation,” Mark said. “If someone’s in a pinch, this will get them over the hurdle and it will pay off in the future.”

Students will apply to receive emergency funds by contacting Paul Stark, director of religious life and civic engagement or Student Affairs staff members Peggy George, Janelle Baldosser or Mark Zeno. If their request is approved, funds will be paid within two business days. Paul, Mark and Dr. Vicki Ohl were intsrumental in securing this grant.

As the Student Affairs Division now is the first point of contact for students who find themselves in similar circumstances, Mark said he will never forget the kindness of the anonymous donor who helped him reach his dream of graduation. “These are the kinds of things we want people to remember. This is one of the things that makes Heidelberg special and demonstrates the care we have for our students.”

“It’s part of the Heidelberg continuum – seeing students through from enrollment to graduation.”