For college students in the ever-changing modern world, one aspect remains consistent: the need for monetary support as they traverse adulthood. Living on campus in the dorms, finding a good meal plan, traveling and just the general class load can all contribute to the difficulties of affording college. The saving grace for many who choose higher education is that of scholarships and aid provided by government resources. But what happens when universities turn toward other resources for help in monetary support? What other ways can the public help make an impact on the future of the next generation of college graduates?
Several colleges at the University of Northern Colorado have an option available to the public for them to donate through their website. The Monfort College of Business is one such example, celebrating several key figures whose donations have made a deeply lasting impact not just on the college but also on the dedicated students who attend.
Among recent budget concerns for UNC, including the firing of many staff for the upcoming school year, money has become an even more important resource than ever before. Applications continue to decline with every new year, which leaves the university in a bind to cover costs that seemingly never end. The outside support from other sources, such as scholarships, marks the thin line between affordable and unaffordable college.
Students like Luke Hartge can attest to the importance of these university resources. Following his transfer to UNC during his junior year, Hartge was able to secure three separate scholarships. For him, these opportunities truly made a difference.
“It was a huge help for me,” Hartge said. “It’s made things a lot easier the last three years.”
The MCB’s website has an accessible tab titled “Invest in Education at MCB” in which users can explore and understand how donations work. From investing in scholarships to even offering room sponsorship in Kepner Hall. Interested investors have a wide array of options readily available at their fingertips. The “Honoring Donors” tab gives a comprehensive view of the donors who have made substantial monetary donations, with the highest tier being one million dollars and beyond.
To most internet browsers, the easiest option is to donate online. When clicked, it brings up a separate page where a dollar amount and designation can be chosen. These funds are then processed online and sorted to the chosen designation. While online donations have mixed public reception, the impact the donations have toward the MCB cannot be understated. The MCB awards $1 million worth of scholarships annually. This funding can change the trajectory for students following the path of business.
As midterms and the fall season continue, students and staff alike continue to face concerns about the university’s monetary status. To most, the stress of passing classes matched with their own financial worries makes for enough anxiety alone. Stacking university-wide budget cuts on top of this has truly put into context how important donations and aid work toward scholarships truly is.
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