University of Nebraska President James B. Milliken has announced a new scholarship initiative to benefit students and families affected by Hurricane Katrina. The University of Nebraska’s “NU Katrina Student Assistance Fund” has been established to make scholarships for the fall semester available to help students in a variety of circumstances.
“We have students from Nebraska, or with Nebraska ties, who were enrolled at colleges in New Orleans or other affected communities. We want to do all we can to help them continue with their education,” Milliken said. “We also have out-of-state students who were already enrolled on our campuses whose homes have been destroyed and whose ability to stay in school is now in jeopardy. This scholarship fund will help students whose lives have been disrupted begin or continue their education.”
Milliken asked the University of Nebraska Foundation to create a special fund, and the Foundation Board of Directors agreed. Eligibility for the scholarships will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis to the extent funds are available, with the goal of full tuition scholarships for the fall semester for those most seriously affected by the hurricane.
“Last week we announced that displaced students could enroll at the University of Nebraska at in-state tuition rates,” Milliken said. “The response has been very positive. About 100 students have contacted us, and a number of them are now enrolled and are attending classes. However, for some students who have already paid tuition at another institution or whose home was destroyed, even in-state tuition can be an insurmountable financial burden.”
The Board of Regents and the entire university community have been committed to finding ways to help students affected by Katrina, Milliken said. Providing scholarships will help students get past their immediate financial concerns. We are very grateful to the University of Nebraska Foundation for its immediate and enthusiastic response to help these students and their families,” he said. “Many people have contacted us to ask what they can do to help. Contributions that will allow students to begin or continue their education would be one important way to do this.”
Contributions to the fund are tax-deductible and may be made securely on line at www.nufoundation.org. Checks payable to the University of Nebraska Foundation may be sent to:
University of Nebraska Foundation
ATTENTION: NU Katrina Student Assistance Fund
1010 Lincoln Mall
Lincoln, NE 68508
For more information on the fund, UNMC students should contact Rubens Pamies, M.D., vice chancellor for academic affairs and dean for graduate studies, at 559-5130.