Board of Trustees Creates Student Support Initiatives Fund

The Oberlin College Board of Trustees has created a new Student Support Initiatives fund designed to strengthen and expand support services for at-risk students who need additional assistance to succeed throughout their time at Oberlin.

A first round of funding has been identified for significantly increasing the size of two highly successful peer mentoring programs. One enables peer mentors to work with first-year students who are first-generation and often low-income and/or students of color. The other provides mentors for first-year students with disabilities to help them successfully transition to college.

Board of Trustees Chair Clyde McGregor has made a $500,000 commitment to create the fund. “I was a recipient of many forms of aid during my education at Oberlin,” says McGregor, portfolio manager for Harris Associates L.P. “Having heard from students that additional support is needed, I decided to contribute to this initiative.”

The amount of funding for the Endowed Book Fund, which aids students who need help affording books and supplies, will be increased, as will funding for the Emergency Medical Fund that assists students who experience medical and other unexpected emergencies.

Finally, the Student Support Initiatives Fund will allow an additional staff position in the Office of Disability Services to work with students who have disabilities and require additional support.

"This gift from Mr. McGregor is the latest in a series of commitments he has made to Oberlin in recent years,” says Bill Barlow, vice president of Development and Alumni Affairs. “Whether it is support for programs that reduce the loan burdens of students from low-income families, funding professorships in neuroscience, or, in this case, providing additional resources to help at-risk students, Clyde has always put the needs of students and the institution first. He is a wonderful example of what true philanthropy is all about."

To make a gift, please contact the Office of Development and Alumni Affairs at 800-693-3167 or 440-775-8273. You may also give online by indicating “Student Support Initiatives Fund” in the special instructions box.