A Letter from the Foundation President, Bill Hawkins
I hope this newsletter finds everyone in good health. These are challenging times, but I would like to start off by commending the PCC faculty, staff, and students for rising to these challenges and showing ingenuity, determination, and grace.
In the circumstances surrounding COVID-19, our students will be experiencing greater financial and emotional stress as they adapt to newer and different instructional delivery methods and environments.
One of the Foundation’s guiding principles is to support PCC students in a variety of ways to ensure their success as they work to complete their course of study. From food and housing insecurities to transportation and commuting issues, we want to be there for students now more than ever.
College President Dr. Erika Endrijonas and her executive team have instituted a number of actions that have created a safer environment while continuing to deliver robust instruction to students with minimal disruption.
The college is providing daily updates to its faculty and staff, and all instruction has moved to the online environment through the end of April. The Lancer Pantry is offering Drive-Up services for students, and students still have access to counselors and health professionals.
Several donors and community members have reached out, asking how they can help during this time. The PCC Foundation has responded by providing a way for our donors to support students during this transition while we journey through this worldwide health crisis together. The Foundation has created a fund that will support emergency needs that arise from students’ unexpected hardships in this unprecedented time.
Your donation will provide relief for financial hardships such as loss of income. Many PCC students have part time jobs to help defray their various costs and expenses. These jobs are being eliminated at a rapid rate.
Students require access to technology to access virtual learning remotely. They require secure housing and food. And of course there remains other unforeseen or emergency financial challenges related to things like medical expenses and dependents.
You can support the work we do to assist students, especially during difficult times like these, by making an online gift at give.pasadena.edu/unexpectedhardship or call us at (626) 585-7349.
Finally, I would like to thank all who turned out for our Hometown Legends event honoring Martha Tolles on February 6. It was an historic moment for PCC, one that showcased just how much of an impact PCC has on its community.
On behalf of our students and the college, thank you for your ongoing support!
Sincerely,
Bill Hawkins, President
