Vision
Emergency funding can help students stay in school and be successful. That’s why Dr. Richard Florizone and his wife, Dr. Mona Holmlund, have committed up to $50,000 to establish the On Track Microbursary. The bursary will provide first and second-year students with urgent financial need up to $500 in support to, starting in September 2018.
“Student success, student retention and equity of access are core to our values and Dalhousie’s strategic priorities,” says Dr. Florizone. “By increasing access to emergency financial aid for students, together with the support offered through On Track, we’re strengthening Dalhousie’s ability to help students be successful.”
The bursaries will be aligned with On Track, Dalhousie’s flagship student success and retention program. It provides coaching and supports on a broad range of topics vital to success at university. Working together, these programs strengthen Dalhousie’s ability to help students be successful. The goal is to raise $50,000. When combined with the Florizone/Holmlund matching funds, there will be $100,000 available — enough to support at least 200 students with bursaries.
For students in financial distress, a small gift can make a big difference. Dalhousie’s bicentennial year seems a fitting time to invest in the success of our students through the On Track Microbursary.
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.
Supporters
Sheila Blair-Reid
This is a wonderful initiative - thank you Richard and Mona for creating this opportunity.
Ben Davis
Jan Pelley
Robert Richardson
Ann Vessey
David & Elizabeth Sutherland
A great idea. We are delighted to help out.
Susan Tirone
David Mensink
This is a great initiative, Richard. Thank-you!
Linda Lloyd
Graeme Fraser
Michael Moosberger
Andrew Rau-Chaplin
Lois Whitehead
Darren Dick
carolyn watters
Jaime Nickerson
Robert LeForte
I always appreciated the availability of bursaries when financial need arise at Dal and am happy to support the On Track campaign, which is a great initiative.
Ian Bezanson
Matthew Guy
Great initiative to help students during tough times.
Alicia Kirk
I'm so inspired by this initiative!