Class of 2020 | Student Relief Fund

Leaving One Final Legacy at Wheaton

Wheaton is a community that supports each other in so many different ways. Seeing that the COVID-19 pandemic has been affecting all of us—now is the time—in which we can stand together and leave a meaningful impact. Today, we are asking anyone who may be in the position, to support classmates and the college by contributing to Wheaton’s Student Relief Fund. Your contribution will directly benefit peers and help provide relief for financial hardships due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

On April 28, President Hanno announced to the student body that Wheaton College is allocating up to $1 million of federal and institutional money as a Student Relief Fund to help provide support to current students (including seniors) who have experienced financial challenges because of the effects of this pandemic. The college also expects to have a fund of equal size in the fall for all students, returning and entering, who have needs beyond those normally expected because of the challenges of this situation. Many of you may be unaware, but that the college has been raising money for the Student Relief Fund since March, and many generous Wheaton community members have stepped forward to support this endeavor. 

So, in light of this announcement, we have decided to create a crowdfunding project so any member of the Senior Class that wishes to participate in supporting the Student Relief Fund can do so. Our donations will allow the college to continue to help our peers in various ways as they navigate the numerous challenges and transitions ahead.

Here are a few ways that contributions to the Student Relief Fund have and will continue to be used by the college:

• Aiding housing and food insecurity of students

• Guaranteeing student employment wages 

• Assisting with travel expenses 

• Providing technology to ensure all students have access to remote learning

• Replacing learning materials that were readily available on campus

• Subsidizing students due to other unforeseen financial challenges

The community response to the college's Student Relief Fund has been extremely encouraging thus far. Again, if you are in a position to make a contribution to this initiative at this time, your gift—no matter the size—will be greatly appreciated. Some of our classmates could use this support more than ever right now.