The holiday season is here again. Time seems to go faster with each passing year. At the beginning of the New Year, I’ll celebrate my 12th anniversary at SFA. For those of you I’ve had the pleasure to know, it may be hard to accept that my son Noble, who was just 4 years old when we arrived in Nacogdoches, will soon receive his driver’s license. And my daughter, Josie, who was just a baby when we moved here, will start high school next year.
My time at SFA has provided more highlights than I can mention. My fondest memories all involve the students whom I have met along the way. I have been privileged to see so many students overcome challenges and achieve their dreams. The fact that my job often lets me play a role in their success is one of the greatest blessings I can imagine.
And yet, so many times in my career, I have seen students who were unable to overcome the challenges they face. An increasing number of these challenges involves paying for college. For many students, even small setbacks can put their dream of achieving an SFA degree in jeopardy. However, this also means even small assistance can make a big difference.
That is why we have created our new Student Emergency Aid Fund. This program helps students in need of one-time assistance due to a sudden financial need. Contributions of any amount are put directly to work to help Lumberjacks achieve their goal of an SFA education.
As a new year approaches, I know I will reflect on the impact so many of you have made on me. I hope it inspires you to impact the next generation of Lumberjacks.
As we enter this season of giving, I humbly ask you to join me in investing in our students’ success. Contributions to this fund make a wonderful gift — and you won’t even have to wrap it!
Visit sfasu.edu/emergency-fund for more details.