Please join us in making a difference in the lives of Ball State Cardinals by donating to the Jack Beyerl Emergency Aid fund.
The Jack Beyerl Emergency Aid Fund provides financial assistance to Ball State students who experience accidents, illnesses, financial hardships, or other personal emergencies that negatively affect their ability to remain enrolled. Since 2013, $131,384 in Emergency Aid has been used to assist 290 students with books, rent, utilities, medical bills, child care costs and so much more. The Jack Beyerl Emergency Aid Fund is administered and coordinated by the Office of Retention and Graduate. Traditionally faculty members and student-facing staff members, including academic advisors, counselors, and residence hall directors refer students to the Emergency Aid Fund.
Given the recent escalation of the COVID-19 virus around the country, and in our local community in Muncie, Indiana and the response from federal, state, and local government entities all in efforts to limit the virus’s spread – many of our students have been directly impacted. Students have lost jobs due to businesses closing or because they opted to return home to be with family during this national crisis. Without paychecks, they worry they won’t be able to pay the rent, utilities, or the grocery bill.
We are seeing more and more students request assistance from the Jack Beyerl Emergency Aid Fund. This fund has historically functioned as a short-term loan program. In light of the COVID-19 global crisis, Ball State will award all the funds raised during One Ball State Day in support of COVID-19 as grants. Additionally, no more than $250.00 per student will be approved in an effort to maximize the number of students who are financially supported by the fund. As the university works to assist as many students as possible, we ask you to consider making a gift to help us respond to this increased demand. Your support will provide immediate and direct assistance to help us continue to support, advocate, and champion our students.
The fund is named in honor of Merril “Jack” Beyerl who enjoyed a distinguished career of 35 years (1953-88) at Ball State where he served in numerous roles. He began his tenure as a faculty in Counseling Psychology and then became Director of the Counseling Center. In 1964, he became Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students. A role he maintained until his retirement in 1988.
