A special message from President Gary B. Crosby, Ph.D.
I write to you today with a message of solidarity and commitment—values that lie at the very heart of our University's mission. As we observe the challenges facing many of our students and their families — including the uncertainty of the government shutdown, the suspension of critical benefits like SNAP, and the relentless rise in the cost of living—our community must respond with compassion and action.
Donate to the SEU Emergency Fund
Upholding Our Mission Through Service
Saint Elizabeth University, rooted in the Catholic liberal arts tradition and the legacy of the Sisters of Charity, has a clear and enduring mission: to affirm its solidarity with the poor and its commitment in service to the community. Our core value of Social Responsibility requires us to support the just and ethical well-being of individuals and communities. This is not just a principle we teach; it is a duty we must live. In this spirit, I am proud to announce the immediate launch of the SEU Cares Initiative.
About the SEU Cares Initiative
The SEU Cares Initiative is a university-wide effort designed to provide immediate and essential support to members of our campus family experiencing hardship. It will focus on three main areas of need:
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Emergency Aid Fund: We are immediately allocating funds to the existing student emergency aid process to ensure swift financial assistance for students facing immediate crises related to food, housing, or unexpected expenses.
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Expanded Resources: We are increasing the capacity and accessibility of our existing campus resources, including the SEU Food Pantry and collaboration with local partners, to provide essential supplies for students and their families.
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Navigational Support: Dedicated staff in Student Services will offer resources and guidance to students and their families navigating the complexities of government assistance programs and community support networks.
How You Can Help
This initiative requires the full engagement of our community. I call on all members—faculty, staff, students, and alumni—to embrace our value of Leadership by becoming agents of transformation and support.
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Volunteer: We need volunteers to staff the food pantry, organize drives, and assist with outreach.
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Donate: We encourage those who are able to consider a financial gift to the SEU Cares
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Emergency Aid Fund. Every contribution, regardless of size, directly translates into support for a student or family in need. Information on how to donate or volunteer will be shared by the Division of University Advancement and Student Life later this week.
Our pursuit of Excellence in teaching and learning can only be fully realized when our students have their foundational needs met. Let us come together as a community, reaffirming that at Saint Elizabeth University, no one walks alone.
I am confident that, guided by our enduring values, we will rise to meet this challenge with the compassion and integrity that defines the SEU experience.
