West Virginia University alumnus Alan Zuccari and his wife, Lisa, recently donated $25,000 to the Kenneth D. and Carolyn T. Gray Student Emergency Fund.

Earlier this fall, Gray, WVU’s vice president for Student Affairs, and his wife Carolyn generously established a Student Emergency Fund for students to assist students who encounter an unforeseen financial emergency or catastrophic event that could prevent them from continuing their education or otherwise impact their success at the University.

“The Zuccari’s gracious donation will help jumpstart the Student Emergency Fund. Because of their support, we can better help our students overcome short-term hardships related to an emergency situation,” Gray said. “The creation of this Fund is a reflection of WVU’s commitment to making the welfare and success of our students the institution’s top priority. We want to keep our students academically successful, and if there are barriers to their success, we will not hesitate to step in and help.”

The Emergency Fund will provide immediate financial assistance to currently enrolled WVU students who are unable to meet immediate, essential expenses such as books, temporary housing, medical, travel and other unforeseen, non-tuition-related needs.

“This is just another example of the Zuccari’s support and deep commitment to the success of our students,” Gray said. “In 2011, they established the alumni wall at the Erickson Alumni Center, and they have also supported athletics with a variety of gifts over many years.

“Emergencies and unplanned events can leave students in financial difficulties that affect their academic and personal lives. This fund gives Student Affairs the ability to help students during their unique time of need.”

The Zuccari family lives in McLean, Va., and has three children – Jason a 2010 WVU graduate and former Student Government Association president; Jarred, a senior at WVU currently serving as SGA vice president; and Sara, a WVU sophomore. Alan is a member of the WVU Foundation Board of Directors and Lisa serves on the Division of Student Affairs Capital Campaign Committee.

Any WVU student that encounters an emergency is eligible to apply for assistance. Students seeking assistance can contact Kim Mosby in the WVU Office of Student Life at Kim.Mosby@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-5611.

To support the Gray Student Emergency fund, visit the WVU Foundation website at http://wvuf.org or contact WVU Student Affairs Grant and Development administrator Erica Bentley at Erica.Bentley@mail.wvu.edu or 304-293-8944.

This Fund was created through the WVU Foundation in conjunction with A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University. The campaign is a $750 million fundraising effort being conducted by the Foundation on behalf of the University.

-WVU-

ta/11/2/12

CONTACT: Erica Bentley, Student Affairs
304-293-8944, Erica.Bentley@mail.wvu.edu

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