Rep. Casten Visits Benedictine University to discuss direct relief for local students under American Rescue Plan
Lisle, IL – U.S. Congressman Sean Casten visited Benedictine University to meet with University President Charles Gregory and Benedictine staff and students to discuss how they've successfully used federal funding from the American Rescue Plan to help students cope with the severe financial fallout from COVID-19 pandemic.
Click the image below to view the video recorded by Benedictine students and Congressman Casten or click here.
The visit was planned after the university successfully implemented $17.78M from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) which included funds from the American Rescue Plan. The funding has already benefited over 2,000 students at Benedictine University--and is expected to help even more due to increased eligibility under the American Rescue Plan. This funding was part of the over $111.47 million announced earlier this year that directly benefited colleges in Illinois' 6th Congressional District, at least half of which is being distributed in the form of direct emergency grants to students who are facing hunger, homelessness, and other hardship.
During his visit, Rep. Casten met with several students directly benefited by the funding to talk about the obstacles COVID-19 posed to their education--from economic hardship and increased caretaking responsibilities to their physical and mental health-- as well as how federally funded grants has been crucial to their success, what it means for their future, and how Congress could perfect future funding programs.
"The success of our local colleges and universities is critical to the success of our students and to the strength of our community. This funding, along with the $111,470,142 I fought to secure for colleges in my district will help these valued institutions keep their doors open, employees on payroll, and provide economically struggling students with urgent relief that will allow them to stay on track and complete their education." said Casten.
The additional HEERF funds resulted in more students qualifying for financial aid at Benedictine to continue their education. The funding has benefited over 2,000 students to date at Benedictine who expects even more to benefit soon.
The new funding also allowed for the university to adjust to the COVID-19 world, providing PPE, signage implementation, acrylic dividers and other COVID-related protection for students and staff. Furthermore, the funding allowed for students who wouldn't usually qualify for financial aid like online, international, or undocumented students, to now qualify due to the ability to reallocate funds.
President Charles Gregory said the following about the federal funds received by the university:
"On behalf of the University I would like to thank Representative Casten for coming to the Benedictine campus today to meet with faculty and staff members, and students who personally benefited from recent HEERF funds,'' said Benedictine University President Charles Gregory. "It was extremely moving to hear the very personal and heartfelt stories from these young people who likely would not have been able to continue their education at Benedictine without these funds. It was an optimistic and inspirational day for us all."
"I believe that our students' access to quality higher education should never be hindered by their background, their financial life's situation, or their documentation status. After months fighting to ensure this funding was included in the American Rescue Plan, I am grateful to see Benedictine using it to directly benefit all their students. Including more than just financial assistance, the funds allowed for the university to be well equipped to tackle the obstacles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic" said Casten.
Casten also met with Benedictine University's Dr. Kaveh Hemmat t0 congratulate him for being selected as the winner of the National Endowment for the Humanities Grant for his program "Khataynameh ("Book of China") Translation Project". Dr. Hemmat's project prepared and translated for print and digital publication a narrative written by Ali Akbar Khatayi, a Persian merchant who travelled to China in the sixteenth century.
The award was announced on August 17th, 2021.
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