Robin and John Hayes provide a matching gift to inspire others to give hope
ASU-Beebe is inviting alumni, employees and community members to join a special Giving Tuesday initiative on Dec. 2 to support the ASU-Beebe Student Emergency Hope Fund, a student-founded program that helps classmates facing unexpected hardships.
The Student Emergency Hope Fund was established in spring 2020 by the ASU-Beebe Student Government Association as a student-led service project to assist peers in immediate need of financial support. The goal was simple but powerful: to ensure no student is forced to choose between continuing their education and meeting basic needs.
“The campaign has set a goal of raising $15,000 to help students overcome emergency financial obstacles that could prevent them from completing their education,” said Dr. Jennifer Methvin, ASU-Beebe chancellor.
This year’s campaign is strengthened by a matching gift from Robin and John Hayes, longtime friends, alumni, and supporters of ASU-Beebe. Their contribution will match community gifts dollar for dollar to double the impact.
“We believe in these students and in the power of education to change lives,” said Robin and John Hayes. “Sometimes it’s the smallest act of kindness — a bag of groceries, a tank of gas or help covering a bill — that makes all the difference. We wanted to help multiply that impact and inspire others to give hope.”
Since its inception, the fund has provided emergency assistance for students experiencing unforeseen and unavoidable financial challenges that threaten their ability to remain enrolled-including loss of housing, food insecurity, transportation barriers or unexpected medical and safety needs. The hope fund also supports all ASU-Beebe campus food pantries, which provide free meals and grocery assistance to students throughout the year.
“The hope fund is one of the most meaningful examples of our Vanguard spirit,” said Angie Stroud, development officer for ASU-Beebe. “It began with students who wanted to take care of one another. Today, it continues that legacy by providing emergency relief, keeping our campus food pantry stocked and helping students stay in school when life gets hard. Every dollar raised truly changes a life.”
With many families and students feeling the effects of rising consumer costs, ASU-Beebe anticipates an increase in student requests for emergency assistance. The fund allows the college to respond quickly, ensuring students receive help when it matters most.
“Every contribution — no matter the size — represents a lifeline for our students,” Stroud said. “You don’t have to wait until Giving Tuesday to make a difference — gifts are being accepted now, and early giving helps us meet urgent student needs right away.”
Oversight of the fund is provided by the Student Emergency Hope Fund Committee, composed of nine faculty, staff and student representatives from each ASU-Beebe campus and co-chaired by the director of student life. This cross-campus collaboration ensures transparency, accountability and careful stewardship of every gift received.
“Together, we can reach the $15,000 goal and ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive — in the classroom and beyond,” Dr. Methvin said.
Community members are encouraged to donate online at www.asub.edu/givingtuesday and select Student Emergency Hope Fund as their designation. Gifts may also be mailed to the ASU-Beebe Office of Institutional Advancement, P.O. Box 1000, Beebe, AR 72012.
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