SUNY New Paltz alumna establishes $100,000 “Crossing the Finish Line Fund”

NEW PALTZ – The SUNY New Paltz Foundation has announced that a new $100,000 endowment fund has been established to help students who are encountering unforeseen financial difficulties to remain in school. Nancy (Hahn) Moore ’64 (Elementary Education) and her husband, David, created the “Crossing the Finish Line Fund” to provide emergency assistance to those students facing a major crisis that impacts their ability to finance the remainder of their education at New Paltz.

“As someone who benefited from an excellent education at New Paltz, I am very pleased to be able to help other students ‘cross the finish line,’” stated Nancy Moore.

The “Crossing the Finish Line Fund” will offer one-time financial assistance to a student in need. Dan Sistarenik, New Paltz’ director of financial aid, says there continues to be an increasing demand for the type of funding that the new endowment will provide for students. “Each year we have families experiencing economic changes that challenge their ability to finance college costs. In many cases, students and parents secure loans. However, when a major and sudden crisis occurs, there is no time to plan for such emergencies. This new emergency assistance fund will provide immediate relief for students to remain enrolled and to “finish” their academic program in a timely fashion. We are very grateful to the Moores for such a thoughtful gift,” he added.

The “Crossing the Finish Line Fund” is similar to another emergency assistance fund spearheaded by College Council Chairman Ken Abt in 2009 that also helps students who would otherwise have discontinued their education. The College’s Retention Scholarship program to date has provided approximately $28,000 to students, enabling them to continue their course of study at New Paltz.

“I think it is very noble that there are people…offering a helping hand to students like me,” said Lumika Jewell ‘12, a Fine Arts major who will be graduating this year as a result of receiving this financial assistance. “I want you to know that (donors) are making a difference and it is greatly appreciated. I hope that one day I am in a position to give back to others working towards their future as well,” she stated.

“This very generous gift addresses a very real need for New Paltz students, and we hope that it will inspire others to give as well,” said President Donald P. Christian.

The genesis for the name of the Moore’s new endowed fund is the 2009 publication, Crossing the Finish Line, written by William G. Bowen, Matthew M. Chingos & Michael S. McPherson, that analyzed factors influencing student retention and graduation. The name resonated with David Moore who was a student of Bowen’s at Princeton University.

For more information about the “Crossing the Finish Line Fund” or additional scholarship opportunities available through the SUNY New Paltz Foundation, please call 1-877-HAWK-001 or 845-257-3957 or visit www.newpaltz.edu/foundation/scholarships_book.html.