Established by Sharon Misasi, Sandra DeCicco, and Pat Panichas, the Believe Fund was created to help students believe in themselves and attain their dreams. The Believe Fund provides emergency financial assistance to students in the College of Health and Human Services who are experiencing short-term, unanticipated financial hardships that jeopardize their educational dreams.

Back in 2015, inspired to make dreams come true, Misasi and DeCicco provided the first funding to their nephews as they began their new business endeavor, Super Coffee.  Working to make dreams come true, Misasi, DeCicco, and Panichas are investing in Southern’s students.

When a student finds themselves in a difficult financial situation, this fund will allow us to provide the student with resources to purchase textbooks and course materials, pay for transportation, childcare, or household expenses, or assist with tuition and fee payments.

Examples of How Your Donation Can Assist

$50 - $100

Can provide support for a student’s most basic need, such as a week of groceries or 5-10 meals a week.

$100 - $250

Can provide a student with the required textbooks for several courses and ensure that they do not attempt to complete those courses without securing those essential materials.

$250 - $500

Can help a student to pay their utility and internet bills at their off-campus apartment and ensure that they stay warm and complete their online class sessions and assignments.

$1000+

Can cover a tuition and fee payment for a student who could not pay their entire bill in advance and had to set up a payment plan, but encountered unanticipated financial challenges during the semester.

Since the fund was started in April of 2022, the Believe Fund has assisted 229 students, providing over $73,905 in funding (as of June 2024).

Whether you’re a proud alum, a grateful patient, or a champion for public health, your support of CHHS strengthens the next generation of caregivers, advocates, and practitioners.

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