Bobbi and Stephen Polk ’78 are giving a leadership gift to the Whisler Center for Student Wellness.
Denison’s Report on Students’ Financial Wellbeing illuminated the significance of unanticipated urgent expenses, like medical care, dental care, or car trouble, on students’ success and overall wellbeing.
Through the generosity of Sandy Thomson ’59 and his wife Sally ’59, the Office of Student Development established Red Thread Grants, which provide financial support to students.
“Sally and I wanted to help launch the Red Thread Grants Program in order to establish a safety net for Denison students caught in a cash emergency. We do not want any situation to balloon into a problem that might damage a student’s academic progress or compound financial concerns.” In its first year, the fund provided support to 54 students.
The grant’s name, Red Thread, represents the powerful connection among generations of Denisonians—a reminder of how united the Denison community truly is.
Support for the Annual Fund allows Denison to respond to emerging priorities that enhance the student experience, especially for those in need.