SGi Donates $70,000 to Student Emergency Fund

Student Financial Services announces University also to receive funds under CARES Act

Alicia Venter and Jillian Ortiz • April 30, 2020

Students participated in a poverty simulation in the D’Angelo Center back in February. TORCH PHOTO/ NICK BELLO

Student Government Inc. (SGi) has donated $70,000 — the remainder of its annual funds — to the Student Emergency Fund, according to a post on their official Instagram (@sjusgi). The Student Emergency Fund is used to assist students in need during the transition to remote learning.

Normally, SGi’s annual funds would go toward budgeting for organizations and special allocation funds campus organizations can apply for when holding large events, such as the African Students Association’s annual Fashion Show. With the remainder of the semester being off-campus, SGi “saw fit to aid students in their time of need,” according to their Instagram post.

“This donation is directly supporting fellow Johnnies in a time of need, and it is exactly what I have come to expect from the servant leaders of SGi,” Jack Flynn, director of Student Conduct and SGi advisor, told the Torch in a statement via email. “I am so proud of this executive board, both for asking the Vincentian question of itself and then for answering it in a compassionate and responsible fashion.”

In an email from the Office of Student Financial Services sent on April 30, students were notified that the University is entitled to funding under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. “This emergency financial assistance is intended to provide direct assistance [through] one-time emergency grants to students impacted by COVID-19,” the email stated. Students can submit an application to see if they are eligible to receive funding from the CARES Act and the University Student Emergency Fund.

SGi is currently in the process of transitioning its e-board after this year’s executive board elections, which took place earlier this month. On Friday, May 1, the new e-board members will hold a Zoom forum to discuss how SGi will address COVID-19, the CARES Act and the SGi Wellness Survey, along with other student concerns.

The newly elected e-board is expected to officially take office on May 15.

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About the Contributors

Alicia Venter, Editor-in-Chief

Alicia is a senior Journalism major with a minor in English. She joined the Torch during her freshman year as Assistant News Editor and later became News Editor. In her last year, she is now serving as the Editor-in-Chief. She is excited to expand the Torch’s online presence through the Torch’s newsletter and other digital platforms. She is a native Kentuckian and loves painting, blaring music too loud and strong coffee! You can reach Alicia at [email protected].

Jillian Ortiz, Managing Editor

Jillian is a senior journalism major minoring in Spanish and International Studies. A member of the Torch since her freshman year, she has held several positions during her time at the publication: She started as a Staff Writer, then became Assistant News Editor, Assistant Chief Copy Editor, Chief Copy Editor, Business Manager, and now in her last year, she is serving as the Managing Editor for the publication. As Managing Editor, she hopes to increase the digital presence of the Torch by collaborating with the editors to create new online initiatives for both the website and the Torch's social media platforms. She would also like to increase coverage beyond the University level to help engage the local community with the publication. A concert enthusiast, during the Fall of 2019 she traveled to London to see Hozier in concert. You can reach Jill at [email protected]