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Sul Ross State University is expected to receive CARES Act funding from the federal government for emergency relief for student needs in an announcement Wednesday, April 22. A portion of the funding will also cover institutional relief programs. Processes for distribution are currently in development and will be published soon.

In addition to the CARES funding which will provide significant financial assistance to students, the University is also announcing the creation of a relief fund to assist students who are currently struggling financially due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

”Our students may have lost jobs and find themselves struggling to purchase basic necessities,” said Dr. Yvonne Realivasquez, Assistant Vice President for Administration and Development.

“The Sul Ross Relief Fund is one way that we can help address their immediate needs. Your gift will help Sul Ross students finish the semester and show them how much we all care about their success,” she said.

Currently, the university has $5,000 in matching funds thanks to the generosity of donors.

“This will serve as an opportunity for donors to double their gifts to the Sul Ross Relief Fund,” said Kara O’Shaughnessy, Director of Advancement and Donor Relations. “This is an amazing opportunity to not just help a student in need, but to have your donation matched up to $5,000.”

Proceeds will help purchase necessary items including:

  • Essential items like toilet paper, soap, food items, etc.
  • Meals for students staying in the dorms and apartments
  • Personal protective equipment (masks) for those who need to leave their dorms
  • Other items that may be necessary to complete the semester

Lack of transportation has been problematic for some remaining students who may need help getting home at the end of the semester and O’Shaughnessy said monies raised from the fund will help alleviate some of those issues.

“They’re not able to get essential items in town or go home with the travel restrictions in place throughout the US,” she said. “That’s where the fund can play a huge role in making sure these students won’t lack the basic living items and they will still be able to concentrate on their studies.”

For more information or to make a donation to the Sul Ross Relief Fund, visit https://secure.touchnet.com/C20202_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=753.