If the recent state of our world has shown anything, it has shown that even the best laid plans can be unexpectedly upended. Understanding this life phenomenon, the university maintains two funds to ensure it can provide support if a WPI student experiences urgent and unexpected need.
Thanks to generations of generous donors, the WPI Student Success Fund and the WPI Emergency Assistance Fund are available to support students and WPI community members who experience unanticipated need—including but not limited to food insecurity and housing challenges. The support from these funds is provided through the Student Affairs Office with confidentially and a commitment to student health and wellbeing.
A recent example of these important funds in action happened over this past holiday break when conditions of the pandemic forced some students to remain on campus. In an effort to lift student spirits a number of anonymous donors generously supported these special student funds, and a portion of their gifts enabled the university to distribute a hot meal and box of food to extremely grateful students.
In coordination with Chartwell’s food service, 121 students chose from three hot-meal options including a traditional holiday roast turkey with mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and chocolate cake for dessert. Mother Nature cooperated with 55 degree weather on December 24 as appreciative (masked and socially distanced) students were met in the West Street parking lot by welcoming WPI staff members distributing hot holiday meals and spreading festive holiday cheer.
“The students were very appreciative of this gesture. They were all on-time, and although masked, their smiles and happiness came through their voices.” - Greg Snoddy, Assistant Vice President, Dean of Students
With the culture of philanthropy so strong at WPI, we are never able to lose sight of the meaningful and powerful impact WPI donors and their generous philanthropy have on our students.