Letter from Dr. Rudin regarding Greatest Need Fund

Lions,

I'm writing today to ask for your help. This semester has brought challenges for all of us here at A&M-Commerce as we continue to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

I can think of no better example than the way each of you has stepped up to ensure the rapid transition to online classes, and the flexibility you have shown in making sure that the education of our students does not suffer during this time. Whether it is figuring out how to work from home while making sure your own children complete their online schooling, creatively tackling hands-on topics in a virtual environment, or trying to manage an office without an office in which to meet, you have handled the ever-changing landscape with professionalism and care. Thank you.

As you know, many of our students are still living on campus because they are unable to return to their homes for reasons beyond their control. At A&M-Commerce, we are dedicated to providing essential services and resources for these students, and our entire campus community, to ensure the health and well-being of every Lion.

However, an increased need from our campus community is putting stress on campus services in an unprecedented way. For example, the Lion Food Pantry has handled as many requests for help in the last month as they normally receive in an entire semester. They have skillfully adjusted their policies, taken advantage of technological innovations, and made sure that no student goes hungry. Still, they are one of our many campus services that need additional resources and support.

Therefore, I am asking you to make a gift to the University Greatest Need Fund at this time. Contributions to this fund allow our university community to quickly respond to the rapidly changing needs, both on and off campus. I know that many of you are already regular supporters of an area of need on campus, thank you for your past and continued gifts in support of our campus community.

Since I joined the Lion family, I have witnessed a spirit of giving and a commitment to helping our students and our community to make the world a better place. Lately, I've noticed a growing sense of community, a shared feeling that we're facing this crisis together. In a time when phrases such as “social distancing” are becoming part of our daily lexicon, I'm heartened to see the opposite is happening–not in the physical sense, of course, but in the way we are uniting to take care of each other.

Please join me in making a gift to support our students.

Go Lions!

Thank you,