Recipients Grateful for Support from Emergency Relief Fund

MELBOURNE, FLA. — Florida Tech has raised $165,000 in gifts and pledges for its Emergency Relief Fund, a testament to the generosity of the university community amid the challenges of the pandemic.

The fund, supported by the voluntary contributions of faculty, staff and trustees, is designed to help those members of the university community who are in need.

To date, the university has received 15 requests for assistance from former employees who were impacted by reductions in force necessitated by the pandemic. Their responses to this support show the depth of Panther pride.

Among the comments from recipients:

• “Thank you again for what you and the Florida Tech community are doing. True acts of kindness are the only way to truly make a difference in a world that is darkening.”
• “Thank you very much for setting this up. I’m sure it will help a lot of people in many ways.”
• “I just wanted to let you know that I received a generous check from FIT today.  Thank you soooo much. This will help me stay afloat! Have a wonderful day and please thank everyone who accepted my application for assistance. I am extremely grateful!”

The Florida Tech Emergency Relief Fund was anchored by significant voluntary salary reductions from senior university leadership initiated by Florida Tech President Dwayne McCay, as well as generous donations from members of the Board of Trustees.

For those former Florida Tech employees who have documentable needs, the fund is assisting with a variety of support, including medical bills, mortgage or rent payments, childcare and food, electricity, gas and other necessities.

The fund began when McCay asked senior faculty and staff leaders at Florida Tech to consider taking salary reductions of at least 10 percent. Many did so, with several making larger contributions.

Inspired by that action, nine members of the university’s Board of Trustees joined in pledging additional support.