Thirty-two CSUB students were able to remain in school and stay on track to graduate this year thanks to an Alumni Association donation of $25,000 to clear registration holds tied to their inability to pay.
A hugely successful 2020-2021 alumni fundraising year made the contribution possible. It is on top of the $25,000 the Alumni Association spent on scholarships earlier this year.
CSUB Provost Vernon Harper called the impact of the alumni donation “immeasurable” because when students are able to complete their education, it not only benefits them but their family and community. He expressed gratitude to alumni who give to their alma mater.
“We need them to know how important these resources are to the lives of individuals and that when they give to the institution, it’s given directly to students,” he said.
CSUB students are subject to future registration holds when they have past due balances of more than $10 after the class registration window for the current semester closes, said Director of Student Financial Services Julie Oberlies.
Students are subject to being dropped from classes they are in if they owe more than $500 one week before census day, or when enrollment is considered finalized, she said.
The university goes to great lengths to help the students stay in school, including allowing them to set up payment plans.
The 32 students helped by the Alumni Association donation had overdue balances for fall of $500 to $1,000, which could have prevented them from enrolling in the spring and graduating as expected.
The campus vice presidents selected the 32 students during an evening session, Harper said. They looked at need and balances owed and prioritized those closest to graduation, he said.
The next day, Harper delivered an at-times emotional thank you to the alumni board at its annual retreat emphasizing the impact of its gift.
The Alumni Association contribution brought to $50,000 the amount it spent on direct aid to students this calendar year. Earlier this year it awarded $25,000 to 21 alumni pursuing their graduate degree on campus, the most it had ever spent on scholarships in a single year and double what it spent the previous year.
It followed a banner fundraising year. The televised CSUB Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony raised an event-record $36,000 in February 2021 and Party at Your Place, a virtual take on Party in the Park, raised more than $6,000 in November 2020.
“During these tough times, it was our duty to go above and beyond to support our students and future alumni,” said Alumni Association President Nancy Solis. “Our community understood the need and increased their support so we could continue supporting our mission. For that we are so thankful.”
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