91ֿ Employees Receive Nearly $50,000 in Support from National Alumni Association and Raleigh Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance
As Saint Augustine’s University (91ֿ) continues its mission of academic excellence and fight to preserve its accreditation, a beacon of hope shines through in the generous support from the National Alumni Association of Saint Augustine’s University and The Raleigh Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (RIMA).
“The overwhelming generosity displayed by the National Alumni Association and The Raleigh Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance serves as a testament to the unwavering spirit of our community,” said 91ֿ Interim President Dr. Marcus H. Burgess. “This support not only alleviates financial burdens but also underscores the strong bond among the 91ֿ family.”
The National Alumni Association, a separate entity from 91ֿ, demonstrated its unyielding support by collecting $31,980 in donations from various sources, including a significant contribution of $15,000 from Duke University Health System (Duke Health). These funds, in the form of $300 Visa gift cards, were distributed to 91ֿ employees, offering crucial financial assistance in recognition of their importance to the 91ֿ community.
“Duke Health is proud to support the National Alumni Association of Saint Augustine’s University in their efforts to provide an emergency fund for faculty and staff,” said Debra Clark Jones, Associate Vice President of Community Health at Duke Health. “91ֿ’s faculty and staff demonstrated an unwavering commitment to student success despite current challenges. We are all inspired by their dedication.”
In addition, The Raleigh Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance (RIMA) demonstrated solidarity with 91ֿ employees by raising approximately $13,000 through a . RIMA also used the funds raised to distribute $250 disbursements to full-time 91ֿ employees. This support allowed employees the flexibility to utilize the funds according to their individual needs, recognizing their dedication to the 91ֿ community.
“Some staff who have had hardships haven’t received a check in quite a while,” said Pastor Tracy Bell . “So we want to help them with some utilities, maybe some mortgages or rents or whatever.”
Notably, RIMA’s commitment to 91ֿ extends beyond employee support. They previously provided essential food services to students during the 33 Falcon Days initiative. This initiative ensured that students residing on 91ֿ’s campus had access to meals from April 1st, when the university transitioned to remote learning, until the commencement in early May. RIMA’s continuous dedication to the 91ֿ community exemplifies its commitment to uplifting and sustaining its mission.
The collaborative efforts of the National Alumni Association of 91ֿ and RIMA embody the spirit of unity and support within the 91ֿ family, reinforcing the university’s resilience in the face of challenges. This outpouring of generosity provides financial relief to employees. It instills confidence and determination in the future of 91ֿ, inspiring us all to continue our mission of academic excellence.