IC Launches Student Emergency Relief Fund

By Kyle Hornyak, April 17, 2020
IC Cares: Bombers Helping Bombers and 20 for ’20 initiatives support current students and graduating seniors.
Muller Chapel and pond at Ithaca College
(Photo by Adam Baker/Ithaca College)
(Photo by Adam Baker/Ithaca College)

From faculty, staff and students creating large- and small-scale personal protective equipment, to a local alumnus establishing a pay-what-you-can community kitchen, the IC community is responding to the novel coronavirus health crisis with characteristic Bomber solidarity and spirit.

Many alumni and friends have contacted the college in the past few weeks to ask, “How can I help?” especially in regard to supporting current students. One immediate, crucial gesture of support that alumni and friends can make is a gift to IC Cares: Bombers Helping Bombers — a special emergency relief fund specifically for current students experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. The need is so great that two alumni donors have stepped up to match the first $50,000 in gifts to the fund, dollar for dollar.

“A number of students have come forward with concerns about how they will continue paying their rent, buying groceries...other students report not having access to laptops or Wi-Fi, further complicating remote instruction. I would encourage anyone in a position to help our students to consider supporting this critical fund.”

Bonnie Prunty, Dean of Students

What I Can Do Logo

“While we are still assessing the full impact of COVID-19 on our community, student life has been significantly disrupted, especially for current students who view Ithaca as their home,” shared Bonnie Prunty, Dean of Students. “A number of students have come forward with concerns about how they will continue paying their rent, buying groceries...other students report not having access to laptops or Wi-Fi, further complicating remote instruction. I would encourage anyone in a position to help our students to consider supporting this critical fund.”

A symbolic yet enormously helpful gift to current students is the gift of encouragement during this unprecedented moment through the 20 for ’20 initiative. As the Class of 2020 navigates being away from their friends and IC family during their final semester, words of encouragement from alumni and friends can make a world of difference to these soon-to-be-alumni. Offer your 20 words of congratulations and encouragement for the Class of 2020 here. Responses will be compiled and shared with the graduating class via the college’s alumni website. Select responses will be shared on social media channels in the immediate days ahead.

Make a Gift

IC Cares: Bombers Helping Bombers is a special emergency relief fund specifically for current students experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19.

IC Cares: Bombers Helping Bombers