The Students First Fund

The University of Connecticut is home to tens of thousands of students, who together grow and develop academically, professionally and socially. Unfortunately, some of our students will face life challenges that pose serious emotional, physical and/or financial hardship. Due to our designation as a state entity, we have previously been limited in providing gifts of financial value to these students. The Students First Fund now provides University employees with the ability to reach out to these students.

The Students First Fund is an initiative established through the Division of Students Affairs to enable University members to demonstrate to our students that they are an important and valuable part of our community. Through this fund, University employees will be able to reach out to students in times of personal and/or financial crisis through the donation of flowers or other appropriate memorials; transportation; books; clothing; small gifts of convenience, such as gift certificates to grocery stores.

The Students First Fund Committee is in the process of establishing a procedure by which students can be nominated, chosen and given an award. This process will be in place by August 1, 2008. In the meantime, we are continuing to accept donations to the fund, organized under the Foundation. Individuals wishing to contribute to Students First can do so through a single payment or a payroll deduction (see right column). Gifts of any size make a difference. We are able to reach out and connect with our students with every dollar received. If you would like more information on the Students First Fund, please contact Denielle Burl at 860-486-2265 or denielle.burl@uconn.edu.