By Fatima Magana '22

ALLIANCE- Think about the challenges you had to overcome during your college years. Were they academic struggles? Homesickness? Financial struggles? Regardless of what you experienced and the challenges you overcame in college, everyone is presented with personal obstacles that help develop a strength that leads to real-world success.

Raiders Give, the University of Mount Union’s Annual Day of Giving, is Thursday, April 11, 2024, when the entire Mount Union community comes together to raise money to support students in need of assistance to reach their collegiate goals. Accounting major Robert Arms ’26 is one of many Purple Raiders who has benefitted from the donations received on our Day of Giving.

“As an introvert, I did not think I’d fit in, but I was introduced to residence life,” said Arms. “I’ve been a resident assistant for 1.5 years and this [leadership position] has helped me connect with people and befriend other students on a level that I am comfortable with.”

Arms '26

Without the financial assistance Arms received, he would not have been able to achieve his academic goals and envision himself as a professional in the accounting field. With hopes of returning to his hometown in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania upon graduating, Arms states that the experiences he is taking advantage of are helping him gain a level of responsibility that will help him tackle any situation when starting his career.

“Afraid of not being able to pay off overdue balances, I wanted to pick up extra shifts at work to pay them off" said Arms. “However, I received a call from Mount Union letting me know that I was receiving a Student Emergency Fund package to cover tuition costs, for which I am grateful.”

Financial assistance like the Student Emergency Fund helps students worry less about how they will pay or finish paying for college, and more about crossing the finish line and graduating.

The Student Emergency Fund was created in April 2020 after the Coronavirus pandemic affected many students’ situations, resulting in hardship for many. The Fund is available to eligible students who cannot cover the costs of college due to personal expenses such as rent and utilities, as well as any issues with parental employment.

Receiving financial assistance from Mount Union, Arms explains that support helped relieve immense stress as he did not have to worry as much about his debt. Regaining his hope to continue his journey at Mount Union, Arms has been applying for internship positions to build a skillset as an accountant.

“I would like to thank everyone who gives back to the Mount Union community and helps students break barriers,” said Arms. “I’ve always said that people should give back to those who helped them, so it is nice seeing how people unite to help us students, financially and in other ways around campus.”

What will you be doing on April 11? Join Mount Union and give back to help students like Robert succeed in college.