Annual Report 2019-2020
Pandemic Relief
Students adjust to many changes with the move to virtual learning and limited in-person classes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alumni & Friends Aid Students During Pandemic
In response to the extraordinary COVID-19 pandemic, the Bulldog Nation and friends bridged the gap to help Bowie State University students persist to graduation and successful tomorrows.
The overwhelming and generous support of alumni, corporate partners and university supporters was remarkable. In a few weeks, more than $45,000 was raised to help students succeed with the Student Emergency Fund, the BSU Nutrition Lounge and the Bowie Fund, our area of greatest need.
New laptops and other tangible donations also helped ensure the continued success of BSU students. For example, Rick and Dawn Collins, parents of LT Richard Collins III, who was tragically killed in 2017 just days before graduating from BSU, donated new top-of-the-line laptops through the Lieutenant Richard W. Collins III Foundation in memory of their son.
“We wanted to help students complete their studies for the semester without having to worry about needing a computer,” said Rick Collins. He added, “Despite the circumstances, please don’t give up on your education. There are still people out there that care about you and want to see you succeed in life.”
Djambra Dollo, a math major who had difficulty accessing his classes online, received one of the foundation’s laptops as a loaner. Not only did he thrive in his remote classes during the spring semester, he was later able to serve as a tutor in the virtual lab.
“I am infinitely thankful to the Collins for receiving this laptop,” said Dollo. “It is imperative to have a computer during this pandemic and I couldn’t afford to purchase one. This donation has made a major impact on my educational and career journey.”
Corporate Partners Lend a Hand
The corporate community also took bold steps to assist students in need during the pandemic. The Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Giant Food Store and Food Lion all donated food to the BSU Nutrition Lounge to help students, who struggle to have enough healthy meals. Safeway’s Nourishing Neighbors program also provided a grant for the Nutrition Lounge.
In addition, Marriott International donated headphones for students using the campus computer lab; Southwest Airlines donated flight vouchers for students traveling home from school; and Jacob’s Ladder donated KN-95 masks for students.
Together, with our supporters, Bowie State University stayed true to its mission during the pandemic and addressed some of the most challenging issues the institution has ever faced. Helping students persist to graduation and achieve their dreams demonstrates the true meaning of #BSU4LIFE.
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