A month after Hurricane Ian devastated Southwest Florida, many members of the Florida Gulf Coast University family still grapple each day with the lethal storm’s fallout and financial consequences.
Nearly 300 faculty and staff and 2,500 students have received assistance through the Eagles in Need relief fund established to help individuals and families who need immediate help. The FGCU Foundation matches each dollar donated to the fund, doubling the impact of every gift.
“Florida Gulf Coast University is extremely thankful and humbled by the philanthropic support we have received over the past few weeks for our students, faculty and staff,” said Mitchell L. Cordova, vice president of Student Success & Enrollment Management. “Hurricane Ian has temporarily disrupted our lives, but it has not disrupted our spirit, passion and motivation to make FGCU an even better community of learning.”
The relief fund was a critical first step in helping students transition back to FGCU when classes resumed Oct. 10, Cordova said. One-time emergency awards are available to current full- and part-time FGCU students, faculty and staff. Funds can be used for living expenses related to Hurricane Ian and replacing personal items lost during the storm. Visit the relief fund website for more information on the application process.
“Applications are still coming through, and we are continuing to raise support among faculty and staff, alumni and many loyal friends of FGCU in the community,” said Cindy Learned, University Advancement assistant vice president.
One of those alumni reaching out to support Eagles in Need was Amanda Lagattolla, who graduated from the Lutgert College of Business.
“I’m an FGCU alumna, class of 2020, and wanted to contribute where it would make a difference,” the marketing graduate said.
Donations can be made online or by sending a check with “Hurricane Ian Relief Fund” in the memo line to:
Florida Gulf Coast University Foundation, Inc.
Campus Support Complex
10501 FGCU Blvd. S.
Fort Myers, FL 33965-6565