N.C. General Assembly Allocates $3.5 Million in Additional Aid for Students Living in Areas Affected by Hurricane Helene

More than 20 Gardner-Webb Students from Western N.C. Received Grants to Help with Recovery

BOILING SPRINGS, N.C.—In the days following Hurricane Helene, North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) began working to provide financial assistance to its member institutions in the path of the historic storm. A fund was established through the Independent College Fund of North Carolina (ICFNC) to support the affected campuses, including Gardner-Webb University. Then, the North Carolina General Assembly allocated $3.5 million in additional financial aid for students attending NCICU campuses in western North Carolina damaged by Hurricane Helene and students from those affected counties attending NCICU campuses across the state.

The N.C. General Assembly passed this financial support for need-based scholarships for students. And, $1 million was appropriated by the General Assembly for emergency grants for eligible students at NCICU campuses, and $2.5 million will be distributed to students receiving the North Carolina Need Based Scholarship (NCNBS). These funds have already assisted over 20 Gardner-Webb University students as they recover from the storm and more aid will be distributed in the coming months.

“We are profoundly grateful for the financial support provided to our students by North Carolina’s elected leaders, and we thank NCICU for the effective advocacy that helped secure such timely assistance,” shared Gardner-Webb University President Dr. William M. Downs. “The devastation wrought by Helene will not soon be forgotten, but the emergency grants will alleviate some of that disruption for those who are working so hard to get their lives—and their education—back on track.” 

One of the students who received assistance was Hallie Rose Donadio from Watauga County, N.C. The money has helped her to start rebuilding her roof and to replace needed supplies. “I now worry less about what tomorrow will bring and have faith that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel,” Donadio stated. She also shared a prayer she wrote in the hours after Helene tore through the area: “God, I ask that you comfort those filled with sorrow and grief for all they have lost. Protect those still in danger and bring them to safety. Provide a path and a way for those able to deliver needed supplies. Equip those starting to rebuild from the rubble. Show me how I can support those living through their worst fears today. Amen.”

Caden Gibbs, of Hendersonville, N.C., noted the severity of the impact Helene had on her family and others. “We were in the direct path of destruction,” Gibbs described. “My family specifically sustained the loss of our vehicle which was crushed by a tree, severe damage to our home from a tree that also fell, and my dad’s employer was completely flooded putting him out of work for weeks and causing severe damage.” She added that receiving the extra funds made it possible for her to continue her studies at Gardner-Webb.

Jessica Smith of Burke County, N.C., and Bianca Washington of Cleveland County, N.C., also appreciated the help they received. Smith’s home was damaged by the storm, and some other items were destroyed. Washington summed up what the additional funds meant to her: “Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and even more. Your financial support has not only lightened my burden but has ignited a spark of hope and possibility within me. Thank you for making a world of difference in me and my family’s life.”

NCICU President Dr. A. Hope Williams said the organization remains committed to helping students at its campuses. “NCICU deeply appreciates the legislature’s commitment to supporting our students during this challenging time,” Williams affirmed. “We recognize the obstacles many of our students face due to Hurricane Helene, and our priority is to ensure they can remain in college, both for the current semester and the spring term. We are determined to assist them in overcoming these difficulties and to helping them continue their education.”

NCICU continues to support campuses affected by the hurricane through the Independent College Fund of North Carolina. To learn more about supporting Hurricane Helene Recovery, please contact Colleen Kinser at [email protected] or call 919-832-5817. Interested individuals may also donate online here.  

About NCICU

North Carolina Independent Colleges & Universities (NCICU) supports, represents, and advocates for North Carolina independent higher education in the areas of state and federal public policy and on education issues with the other sectors of education in the state. It also raises funds through the Independent College Fund of North Carolina for student scholarships and enrichment experiences, provides research and information to and about private colleges and universities, conducts staff development opportunities and coordinates collaborative programs. Presidents of the 36 colleges and universities comprise the NCICU Board of Directors.

About Gardner-Webb

Gardner-Webb University is North Carolina’s recognized leader in private, Christian higher education. A Carnegie-Classified Doctoral/Professional University, GWU is home to nine colleges and schools, more than 80 undergraduate and graduate majors, and a world-class faculty. Located on a beautiful 225-acre campus in Boiling Springs, N.C., Gardner-Webb prepares graduates to impact their chosen professions, equips them with the skills to advance the frontiers of knowledge, and inspires them to make a positive and lasting difference in the lives of others. Ignite your future at Gardner-Webb.edu.