A RAY OF HOPE FOR THOSE IN NEED

In a sign of the country's dramatic economic downturn, hundreds of PC families have found themselves unable to pay this year's tuition bills whether due to sudden unemployment, a health crisis, the volatile investment market, or the decline in student loan availability. Many of them appealed to the Office of Financial Aid, which has seen requests for additional aid jump to 305 as of March 31st, compared to 267 appeals for all of the last academic year. Of these requests, 108 are from families of seniors.

In January, Father Shanley authorized the use of $450,000 from the College's operating budget to help families in unanticipated financial distress. The sudden need to adjust the operating budget was evidence that a more permanent way to meet student needs of this kind had to be found. When the challenge was articulated and a current-use fund was proposed, a number of alumni and PC parents immediately responded. Donors have contributed more than $80,000 to date, launching the aptly named "Angel Fund."

"The Angel Fund is a way for many alumni to complete the circle of giving that began when they received the aid they needed to graduate from Providence College. Because generosity has been a vital part of the College's character since its inception, we are hopeful that many alumni will remember those who helped them at a time of need and honor their memories by helping today's students. Every member of the PC community - faculty, staff, and trustees - is deeply concerned about our struggling students and committed to keeping them on campus through graduation." - Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. '80

MORE APPEALS EXPECTED

The number of financial aid appeals this year is expected to grow even more, according to Sandra Oliveira, executive director of financial aid.

"I am expecting an increase in the coming weeks, as we have a number of students preparing to graduate who still have outstanding account balances, as well as returning students unable to pre-register for fall classes because of financial holds on their accounts," explained Oliveira, who projects even more appeals for additional assistance in the next academic year.

"Many of our families secured the financing needed to cover this academic year before their financial situations and loan availability changed. What I am now hearing is that many of them are unsure if the same financing options will be available to them next year, or if they will be willing to take on additional debt in this current economic climate," she added. "I wish we could help everyone. It is difficult to explain to a student who really needs the help that we don't have the funds available."

SAVING A STUDENT'S DREAM

Imagine that you are a typical, middle class family. You've always done the best for your children, sending them to top-notch private colleges, supporting their dreams and aspirations. And then, financial disaster strikes. You need help to ensure that your son or daughter can continue college and graduate. Click here to read one parent's story.

FAMILIES HELPING FAMILIES

Philip & Maureen Ramer '10P with son Kyle.

"We were really moved by Father Shanley's January update to St. Dominic Society members, in which he shared that the College was receiving an increased number of financial aid appeals from families in need of more assistance. It would be devastating for someone whose family circumstances have changed to be unable to continue their studies at Providence. The College is like a family to its students; it's not like a big state school where students are just marching through" - Phil and Maureen Ramer '10P Click here to read the Ramer's story.

ALUMNI GIVING BACK

Robert Fiondella '64

"I asked Father Shanley what Providence College's greatest need was, and he told me immediate use financial aid money for today's students. I feel a moral and emotional obligation to repay PC for the support I received as a student, and decided that making a leadership gift to the Angel Fund was the perfect way to have a direct impact today with my gift." - Bob Fiondella '64 Click here to read Robert's story.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

This year, net proceeds raised from the Providence College Boston Area Alumni Club Golf Tournament on September 14, 2009 will benefit the Angel Fund. If you would like to contribute to the Angel Fund, there are several sponsorship opportunities available to combine your gift and your golf registration.

If you would like to support this initiative and ensure that every student on campus today has the opportunity to become tomorrow's alumni, please visit the College's secure online giving website at www.givetopc.org, and write Angel Fund in the comments box.

To make a gift by mail, please send your check, made payable to Providence College Angel Fund, to: Providence College Contributions, PO Box 834, Providence, RI 02918.