Lyon College is launching the Student Emergency Fund to support students with financial needs during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Lyon took the unprecedented step March 16 of dismissing students from campus and preparing to convert the remainder of the spring semester to remote instruction. Vice President for Advancement Dr. David Hutchison said the coronavirus outbreak and its consequences will lead to unexpected challenges for many students. 

“Within hours of President Joey King’s announcement on Monday, we heard from many alumni and friends who just wanted to say ‘let me know what I can do.’”

In that spirit, the Student Emergency Fund was established to help the most vulnerable students in their time of need. Hutchison said 100 percent of every dollar given to the emergency fund will be used to aid individual students’ needs. Lyon is establishing an online form for students to request aid. 

A committee, led by Vice President for Student Life Dr. Patrick Mulick, will review each case submitted and determine the level of funding on a case by case basis. Payments will be made directly to the student’s account.

“We are navigating uncharted waters,” Hutchison said, “yet I am confident that when we come together as one Scots community, we will persevere.”

To give a gift to the Emergency Student Fund, visit www.lyon.edu/student-fund.