ICFNC Launches Hurricane Helene Recovery Campaign Raising Nearly $300,000

The Independent College Fund of North Carolina Takes Action for Hurricane Helene Recovery

In the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Helene, the Independent College Fund of North Carolina (ICFNC) is spearheading a recovery campaign that has successfully raised almost $300,000. The funds aim to assist the eight independent campuses within the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) system that were severely impacted by the storm. Given the extensive damage, the need for continued support is critical, as recovery efforts are expected to last for months and even years.

The fundraising campaign has seen generous contributions from various organizations, including a significant $50,000 grant from The Teagle Foundation and a remarkable $25,000 anonymous donation made in honor of Chowan University's newly inaugurated President, Dr. Rosemary Thomas. This financial boost is crucial as the institutions focus on restoring their facilities, providing necessary resources for impacted students, and ensuring educational continuity.

Dr. A. Hope Williams, President of NCICU, expressed immense gratitude for the supportive response from the North Carolina General Assembly, FEMA, corporate partners, and community organizations. The ICFNC’s initiative aims to bolster not only the infrastructure of affected campuses but also the emotional and academic well-being of their students and staff. “We are dedicated to enhancing the resilience of our campuses and assisting our students during this challenging time,” Dr. Williams stated.

Highlighting the inspiring recovery efforts, all eight impacted campuses—Brevard, Gardner-Webb, Lees-McRae, Lenoir-Rhyne, Mars Hill, Montreat, Warren Wilson, and Johnson C. Smith—have resumed in-person classes despite varying levels of damage. Immediate restoration processes were initiated post-storm to facilitate a seamless transition back to normalcy for students, allowing them to complete their semester as planned.

Colleen Kinser, Director of ICFNC, emphasized the importance of community collaboration during this recovery phase. “The spirit of solidarity during this time has been truly inspiring. We encourage everyone to contribute to this vital effort. Every donation, whether large or small, directly benefits our campuses and assists in their recovery journey,” Kinser remarked.

With ongoing assessments of needs, NCICU is committed to providing additional support to affected students to help them continue and complete their education. The Hurricane Helene Recovery Campaign embodies this commitment, emphasizing the vital role of community engagement and support in overcoming challenges.

About NCICU and ICFNC

The North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities (NCICU) functions as the central office for private, nonprofit higher education institutions across the state. The organization not only advocates for independent colleges regarding public policy and educational reforms but also raises funds through the Independent College Fund of North Carolina to support student scholarships and enrichment opportunities.

Led by a board comprising the presidents of 36 independent institutions, NCICU’s comprehensive approach encompasses research and information distribution, staff development, and collaborative programming. For more information about NCICU and ICFNC, please visit www.ncicu.org.

How to Help

To support the Hurricane Helene recovery efforts and make a difference for our affected campuses, click here and contribute, ensuring that help reaches those in need during this challenging time.

Together, we can turn the tide in the recovery and rebuild a brighter future for our students and institutions.