Responding to the impact of COVID-19 and continuing the operations of Southern Arkansas University during a pandemic are the primary purposes of Mulerider Strong Fund, a great way for alumni and friends to show their love for the Blue and Gold. The new fund was introduced as part of the sixth annual Giving Day held on Tuesday, June 30, one of five featured funds created to allow donors to support the area of the University that matters most to them. On that day, the University received over 215 gifts totaling over $220,000. The Mulerider Strong Fund provides operational funds to support needs of the University. Resources have been used to ensure the health and safety of campus during the pandemic. Josh Kee, vice president for advancement, said donors continue to give generously. “Resources provided through the Mulerider Strong Fund allow us to help our students and continue operations without straining our budget,” he said. “We are so grateful to the many alumni and friends who have partnered with us during these uncertain times.” Thanks to the Mulerider Strong Fund, SAU has been able to provide such critical safety supplies as hand sanitizer and dispensers, facemasks, Plexiglas barriers, disinfectant wipes, cameras and microphones for classroom use, and room foggers. These tools promote health and safety as the University has implemented its COVID-19 protocols. It has also provided resources to the new Mulerider Market, located in the Reynolds Center. The Market is available to all current SAU students in need of food or personal hygiene items. Dale Adcock (55), a graduate of Southern State College, is among the many alumni who have so graciously donated to the Mulerider Strong Fund. “I think it helps everyone at SAU,” Adcock said. “It does a lot of good. I had a lot of help when I started my college career in 1952. I got a job immediately at Southern State, and it helped me pay for my room and board. I greatly appreciate all the help that I received. It is so important to give back, especially at this time, when students are having to go to class virtually.”
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