FOUNDATION NEWS
UM Foundation Provides Student Assistance Fund The University’s Foundation board of directors took steps to ensure that deserving students who were facing financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic were able to attend UM this fall, as it approved an additional $1.25 million in student assistance during a May 2020 meeting. The additional needs-based funding assisted new and returning students who were facing financial hardships due to the outbreak. “During these unprecedented times, it is of utmost importance to offer additional assistance where possible,” said Karen Kelly ’80, Foundation Board chair. “The board unanimously agreed that providing funds for current and future students experiencing unexpected financial need is critical to
helping the University advance its mission in the immediate future and critical to helping make a long-term difference in the lives of students. We are very excited to have the opportunity to do so.” Recruitment assistance for new students were awarded based on need through the UM Student Aid Office with assistance from the Office of Admissions. Retention funds for returning students were needs-based and were awarded by the Student Aid Office with assistance from Admissions and the Falcon Success Center. The recruitment and retention assistance was available to cover expenses such as tuition and fees. “Like many universities, Montevallo and its students were hit hard by the effects of
COVID-19,” said Dr. Tammi Dahle. “Without the generosity of the UM Foundation in the form of recruitment and retention funding, many UM students would not have been able to begin or continue their education. We are extremely grateful to the UM Foundation for their commitment to our students during this challenging time.” The University of Montevallo’s Foundation board was founded in 1973. The Foundation’s focus is to advance the mission of the University, and it accomplishes this by soliciting philanthropic gifts and accepting alumni donations. Those funds are then passed directly to the University or invested to earn dividends and interest to support the Foundation’s mission statement.
“...providing funds for current and future students experiencing unexpected financial need is critical to helping the University advance its mission in the immediate future and critical to helping make a long-term difference in the lives of students.” — Karen Kelly ’80, UM Foundation Board chair
20 | Montevallo Today
