MCC Daily Tribune

Chancellor Launches #SUNYTogether Fundraising Effort in Response to COVID-19 Crisis

Funds Will Provide Direct Student Support, Scholarships, and Technology Assistance; Support Medical Research for Testing, Prevention, and Treatment; Purchase And Produce Supplies For Medical Teams Statewide

SUNY Joins Governor Cuomo's "New York Loves" Coordinated Philanthropic Efforts

On Friday, April 10, the State University of New York Chancellor Kristina M. Johnson announced #SUNYTogether, a far-reaching and multi-faceted fundraising effort intended to bolster the system's ongoing response to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. SUNY joins Governor Cuomo's "New York Loves" coordinated philanthropic efforts.

#SUNYTogether aims to raise $10 million over the next several weeks, harnessing the generosity of the system's many alumni, stakeholders and allies, as well as corporate donors, to provide support for students and researchers and also to provide crucial supplies and protective gear for those on the front lines of the battle against this deadly virus. SUNY is proud to join the Governor's "New York Loves" to further expand the state's reach in coordinating donation efforts during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"SUNY is proud to join the Governor's 'New York Loves' to further expand the state's reach in coordinating donation efforts during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic," Chancellor Johnson said. "Members of the SUNY family all across our system are doing their part in the fight against COVID-19, and we want to make sure they have everything they need to ensure their success. That includes providing technology and direct financial support for students continuing their studies at home, as well as funding for researchers working on better testing and treatments and supplies for medical personnel who are continuing to put their own lives at risk to protect the health and wellness of all New Yorkers."

Since SUNY has moved its academic programs online in keeping with social distancing protocols, it has become clear some of the 415,500 students are in need of laptops.

Thus far, 7,000 laptops have been procured and distributed, and another 2,000 are on order. Another 5,000 are still needed, at a cost of roughly $700 apiece - a total of $3.5 million, which will be raised through the Student Technology Assistance Fund.

In addition, Chancellor Johnson has set a goal of raising another $3.5 million for the Student Emergency Fund and the Student Scholarship Fund.

This unprecedented system-wide fundraising effort will continue as regions across the state and nation are impacted by COVID-19. Potential donors should visit SUNY's website at www.suny.edu/sunytogether.

This good news continues online.

Rosanna Yule
Government and Community Relations
04/13/2020