Lindenwood Magazine - Fall 2018: Connecting to Alumni and Friends

Lindenwood University / CAMPUS NEWS THE LIONS’ RESERVE HELPS STUDENTS REACH THE FINISH LINE by KASSIE LINZMEIER Each year, thousands of students at public and private colleges across the country find themselves confronted with an unfortunate financial reality all too common in higher education. For a number of reasons, their sources of funding dry up before they get to graduation. Even with a supportive family, sometimes it isn’t quite enough. In response to this, Lindenwood University created the Lions’ Reserve Fund in 2016 to provide a bridge for students to get across the finish line and complete their degrees. This fund provides students the additional financial support needed to complete the final part of their academic journeys. Through philanthropic giving and support from donors, students at Lindenwood University have the opportunity to graduate, make their way into the workforce, and become productive members of society. Donations to the Lions’ Reserve Fund help students overcome financial setbacks, and, more importantly, fulfill their educational dreams. “I’m from Venezuela, and right now our financial situation is really bad,” said Maria Fuentes. “I feel like my parents have helped me a lot throughout my education, but there was a point where it was really to afford college. The Lions’ Reserve is truly a blessing in my life right now, because I’m going to be able to finish school. I also think that education is one of the greatest gifts someone can receive, so I’m really thankful to all the donors who made this possible.” Ambur Pankins, one of the students who used the Lions’ Reserve Fund to proceed successfully to graduation, is now the proud holder of a degree in social work. “I absolutely loved my professors in the social work faculty and my time at Lindenwood, and I was really distraught when—after I had my first daughter, Aria, in 2014—I realized I ran out of financial aid funds to be able to continue my program and I only had two classes left to graduate,” Perkins said. “Lindenwood’s scholarship program allowed me to complete my bachelor’s, which was an amazing feeling to have both of my kids there at the graduation.” Since its launch in 2016, Lions’ Reserve funding has been awarded to 44 students. To date, 11 have graduated from Lindenwood and 21 are slated to graduate in the fall of 2018. Make a donation to the Lions’ Reserve Fund by calling 636-949-4903, or give online at www.lindenwood.edu/reserve. “Lindenwood’s scholarship program allowed me to complete my bachelor’s, which was an amazing feeling...” Ambur Perkins CAMPUS NEWS ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT UPCOMING EVENTS LINDENWOOD SPORTS ALUMNI EVENTS AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS ALUMNI NEWS & NOTES 5 Ambur Pankins Mariana Fuentes