Kim Gassett-Schiller ’83, ’18H and her husband, Philip Schiller
Sandrae Band ’21
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Completion Grants Help Students Cross the Finish Line
Imagine waking up at 3 am to log in and take a college class from a different time zone. That’s how Sandrae Band ’21, who is completing his military service in the Republic of Korea, earned his bachelor’s degree in political science.
Sandrae had already exhausted his available Veterans’ Affairs assistance. Student Navigation Center Assistant Director Evelyn Almeida ’10G connected him with the Viking Completion Grant, a financial lifeline to get seniors to graduation, and he finished his degree.
Starting at Salem State University in 2014, Sandrae’s military obligations with the Massachusetts National Guard caused him to fall behind. In the end, Sandrae had only two classes left before he could receive his degree. A few years passed, and with COVID-19 causing universities to shift studies online, Sandrae saw his chance to finally take those remaining classes. However, he faced another hurdle: financial aid.
“The completion grant arrived at the perfect time,” Sandrae shares. “I don’t know what I would have done without it. The funds were extremely helpful and I truly appreciate the support.”
YOUR IMPACT IN ACTION
Sandrae’s Viking Completion Grant was possible because of a historic $6 million gift to Salem State from alumna Kim Gassett-Schiller ’83, ’18H and her husband, Philip Schiller. This amount represents the
