As Saint Augustine’s University (分) continues its mission of academic excellence and fight to preserve its accreditation, a beacon of hope shines through in the generous support from the National 校友 Association of Saint Augustine’s University and The 罗利 Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (RIMA).

“The overwhelming generosity displayed by the National 校友 Association and The 罗利 Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance serves as a testament to the unwavering spirit of our community,” said 分 Interim President Dr. 马库斯H. 伯吉斯. “This support not only alleviates financial burdens but also underscores the strong bond among the 分 family.”

The National 校友 Association, a separate entity from 分, demonstrated its unyielding support by collecting $31,980 in donations from various sources, including a significant contribution of $15,000 from Duke University Health System (Duke Health). These funds, in the form of $300 Visa gift cards, were distributed to 分 employees, offering crucial financial assistance in recognition of their importance to the 分 community.

“Duke Health is proud to support the National 校友 Association of Saint Augustine’s University in their efforts to provide an emergency fund for faculty and staff,” said Debra Clark Jones, Associate Vice President of 社区 Health at Duke Health. “分’s faculty and staff demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student success despite current challenges. We are all inspired by their dedication.”

In addition, The 罗利 Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (RIMA) demonstrated solidarity with 分 employees by raising approximately $13,000 through a recent gospel concert held on 分’s campus. RIMA also used the funds raised to distribute $250 disbursements to full-time 分 employees. This support allowed employees the flexibility to utilize the funds according to their individual needs, recognizing their dedication to the 分 community.

“Some staff who have had hardships haven’t received a check in quite a while,” said Pastor Tracy Bell in a statement. “So we want to help them with some utilities, maybe some mortgages or rents or whatever.”

Notably, RIMA’s commitment to 分 extends beyond employee support. 他们 previously provided essential food services to students during the 33 Falcon Days initiative. This initiative ensured that students residing on 分’s campus had access to meals from April 1st, when the university transitioned to remote learning, until the commencement in early May. RIMA’s continuous dedication to the 分 community exemplifies its commitment to uplifting and sustaining its mission.

The collaborative efforts of the National 校友 Association of 分 and RIMA embody the spirit of unity and support within the 分 family, reinforcing the university’s resilience in the face of challenges. This outpouring of generosity provides financial relief to employees. It instills confidence and determination in the future of 分, inspiring us all to continue our mission of academic excellence.