This testimonial from a student who received an emergency grant last year is the reason we have emergency funds at the University of Vermont. No student should have to drop out because of an unexpected emergency.  It’s also the reason why we’re asking donors to give to an emergency fund this Giving Tuesday (December 2, 2025) – a day of giving celebrated across the globe.   Our goal is to raise $30,000 in one day, and your gift will be matched by a generous alumna who believes students should have a strong safety net. 

When Emergencies Arise

The UVM Student Emergency Fund helps students across campus when unexpected hardships arise. Last year, nearly 200 students received assistance. The typical award is just $500 – an amount that is often the difference between a student dropping out or staying enrolled. 

100% of these grants are made possible because of generous donors.  

Each year, Student Financial Services distributes the money raised directly to students as the need arises. At the beginning of the Fall 2025 semester, emergency funds were almost fully depleted. To continue providing this level of support, we need your help to replenish these critical resources for our students.  

Your donation provides more than just financial assistance — it offers stability, dignity, and hope during some of the most stressful moments in a student’s college journey. 

Meet Our Matching Donor

When Susan Marchand Higgins ’85 P’17 first came to UVM, she fell in love with the campus and the community. But financial challenges forced her to take a year off from UVM, so she could work and save money before returning to complete her degree. 

Susan’s own college experience inspired her philanthropic focus today: ensuring students can graduate, no matter the obstacles. She established a fund that provides grants to students facing unexpected hardships. “It doesn’t matter if it’s $5, $50, or $500,” Susan explains. “If you don’t have any funds, it might as well be five million dollars.” 

This Giving Tuesday, Susan is offering a dollar-for-dollar match for gifts to the Student Life Emergency Fund to inspire others to support this important cause.  

That means your gift today will have twice the impact, directly helping students overcome challenges and stay on track to graduate. 

Reflecting on her motivation, Susan says, “In this current environment, where barriers to attending college are increasing rather than contracting, every dollar spent to ensure a student can attend — and, more importantly, complete — their education is an investment, not just in the individual, but in our community, our country, and our civilization.” 

How you can help

There are three ways you can help – from today through Giving Tuesday. 

1. Make a gift. Your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar and you’ll be directly helping students exactly when they need it the most.

2. Offer your own match. Encourage others to join you in giving by offering a matching gift.

3. Share the campaign. Spread the word to fellow alumni and donors who can join you in helping students in need.

If you have questions or need more information, please be in touch with Wil Nelms at wilson.nelms@uvm.edu or 802.656.5736.