International students thankful for MSU Texas Student Emergency Fund

Story Andy Newberry
5 min read

For many of MSU’s international students, going home was not an option when the University transitioned to remote learning in March. Far from home and many without their campus employment opportunities, the effects of the pandemic brought drastic changes to their lives. But the importance of everyday necessities remained a constant amid their rapidly changing landscape.

So students were grateful for the creation of the COVID-19 Student Emergency Fund and the chance to return to in-person campus life for the Fall 2020 semester. During their time here they had already witnessed the generosity and support of the Wichita Falls community through local civic organizations, church groups, and individuals.

With the implementation of the emergency fund, the University was able to award $65,000 to more than 300 students in need.

“I’ve been in Wichita Falls for a number of years, and I’ve always known that this community was very giving,” senior mechanical engineering major Germiamah Junkere said. “They came out to help us during this hard time, and I know that this was hard for them as well. It was really just nice to know that somebody was looking out for us and wanted to help.” Junkere works as a teaching assistant in the McCoy School of Engineering.

Lydie Joseph, a radiology major from Dominica, was joyful when the Redwine Wellness Center on campus opened again after the temporary shutdown, giving her a chance to work and also share her enthusiasm with others. “I couldn’t pay my rent,” Lydie said. “As an international student, I don’t have access to federal funding.”

Her mother had a reduced income back in Dominica, so it was a tough time financially for her and her family. “In Wichita Falls, the community has been really nice to international students. People will literally go out of their way to help students regardless of whether they know you. People who don’t even know you will contribute to your well-being,” she said. Lydie is on track to graduate in 2022 with the goal of working in health care in Dominica.

Kamilah Tobin finished 2020 on a winning note, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in mass communication and securing employment with Global Education Office on campus. The final semester was challenging for Kamilah, who came to MSU Texas from the island of Saint Kitts. Kamilah had to deal with the loss of income when her job on campus was suspended in March.

“Honestly, I was actually more proud of myself to complete a degree,” Kamilah said. “It was something I had not prepared for, and to complete my degree in a pandemic and get a job after, I was proud of myself. I want to say thank you to MSU for creating the fund. I hope it continues, not necessarily distributing it, but in case of an emergency, I hope the fund continues.”

Senior Tariq Morvan, a management information systems major who plans to graduate in May 2021, said the help he received was very timely. “You’re not aware of what’s going on, and you’re so far away from home, and it builds a lot of anxiety. I was a bit worried,” Tariq said. “That money basically went to me paying bills, buying groceries. The pandemic was a really tough one, especially for us international students being so far away from home. To be honest, the funding meant the world to us, especially the timing that it came in. We come up here on a budget, and once something happens to our budget, it can be affected drastically. We appreciate that people from Wichita Falls were willing and able to assist us with our basic necessities like food and water. We will forever be grateful.”

Senior Tariq Morvan, a management information systems major who plans to graduate in May 2021, said the help he received was very timely. “You’re not aware of what’s going on, and you’re so far away from home, and it builds a lot of anxiety. I was a bit worried,” Tariq said. “That money basically went to me paying bills, buying groceries. The pandemic was a really tough one, especially for us international students being so far away from home. To be honest, the funding meant the world to us, especially the timing that it came in. We come up here on a budget, and once something happens to our budget, it can be affected drastically. We appreciate that people from Wichita Falls were willing and able to assist us with our basic necessities like food and water. We will forever be grateful.” 

Support for Mustangs

CARES Act

The federal response to the disruption on college and university campuses provided much-needed financial relief for both students and institutions. Through the CARES Act passed in April, MSU Texas received $4.4 million in financial support. Half of the funds, or $2.2 million, provided emergency relief to more than 3,400 MSU students in the form of grants disbursed in May and June. The other $2.2 million reimbursed the university for $1.7 million in lost room and board revenue, as residential students moved home after spring break. The balance is being used for strategic investments in online technology and distance education as well as heightened sanitation measures on campus. 

GEER Grant

In October, the University received more than $1 million from the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief (GEER) Fund. Through the generous support from the GEER Fund as provided by the Federal CARES Act, MSU Texas was able to provide more than $500,000 to 1,081 students toward their Fall 2020 tuition and fees. The remainder of the funding will be used to assist students in the Spring 2021 semester. Award amounts ranged from $200 to $800.

COVID-19 Student Assistance Fund

The COVID-19 Student Emergency Fund provided limited emergency financial support to students unable to meet essential expenses resulting from hardship encountered by the pandemic. The fund was made possible through the generous support of MSU Texas alumni, employees, parents, members of the and local community, as well as foundations, businesses, unions, and organizations. It provided more than $65,000 to more than 300 students with an average award of $214. Of the assistance awarded, 59% supported the MSU Texas international population, who were ineligible to receive federal assistance.

Canan Food Security Program

From March through July, 98 students benefited from the Canan Food Security Program, established to ensure that all students can access regular, healthy meals, regardless of their financial situation. The total meals awarded during this timeframe was 2,423.

Mustangs Pantry

Photo caption: From left are Cynthia Cummings, coordinator of the Mustangs Pantry; Phillip Allen, owner of Pho Corner, and Michael Mills, director of Global Education. The three groups partnered to distribute free groceries for MSU Texas students in April and May.