On Track Micro Bursaries

Story

Sometimes you just need a little help to get over that bump in the road. Dr. Richard Florizone, president and vice-chancellor of Dalhousie University, and his wife Dr. Mona Holmlund know this first hand. That’s why they are making a family gift to help create an emergency bursary program for students at Dalhousie.

Getting in to university is one of life’s most exciting accomplishments. Being successful once you’re there can present a new set of challenges. At Dalhousie we want to ensure our students have the support they need to be successful, including emergency financial assistance.

“Even if you didn’t experience a financial crisis when you were a student, you knew someone who struggled, just think what that’s like and what some funding would mean to a student in hard times. It’s hard to have to decide between groceries and university supplies, but sometimes that’s what I have to do.” – Andrew Chen

“Without the support I received, I would not have been able to come to Dal.” – Stephanie Mah

We’re asking the entire Dalhousie community – faculty, staff, alumni, friends and partners – to contribute to the On Track Microbursay to provide emergency financial aid to students in need. Drs. Florizone and Holmlund believe that together, the Dalhousie community can match the gift of $50,000. That would mean at least 200 students could access emergency bursaries of up to $500.

Impact

The On Track Microbursary funds will help students be successful and encourage them to stay in school, knowing that they are part of a supportive and caring community. This funding will support students when they find themselves in an unforeseen financial crisis.

Financial issues are often the reason that first years students drop out, in particular. This initiative will help alleviate these pressures and keep students on track with university life. When Dalhousie students succeed, we all benefit from a stronger society.