Launching fund to support students, honor president's legacy

A car repair. An unexpected medical bill. Child care needs. For many college students, a financial setback of just $500 can mean the difference between earning a degree and leaving before college completion.

To help ensure unexpected expenses do not derail educational goals, Clark State College, in partnership with the Clark State College Foundation, has launched the Dr. Jo Alice Blondin Student Opportunity Fund, a new endowment dedicated to helping students overcome financial emergencies and remain on track toward graduation.

The fund honors the legacy of Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., who will retire in June after 13 years as Clark State’s fifth president and more than three decades of service in higher education. Beginning this fall, the fund will provide grants of up to $500 to students in need to help address urgent personal financial needs that threaten a student’s ability to continue their education.

“Throughout my career, I have seen incredibly talented students come close to leaving college because of circumstances completely beyond their control,” Blondin said. “For many students, $500 is a lot of money. It can determine whether they stay enrolled, get to class, keep the lights on at home or continue pursuing the future they envision for themselves and their families. This fund reflects my belief that no student’s education should be interrupted because of a temporary financial crisis.”

The fund was created as a lasting tribute to Blondin’s commitment to educational access and student success. The initiative also continues a tradition of helping students in crisis that began more than 50 years ago through a partnership between former Clark State President Richard Brinkman and W. Dean Sweet, owner of Sweet Manufacturing.

Alicia Sweet Hupp, former Clark State Board trustee member, trustee emerita and daughter of W. Dean Sweet, serves as honorary chair of the fund.

“My father believed that when students face unexpected hardships, a caring community can make all the difference,” Hupp said. “Dr. Blondin has dedicated her career to removing barriers and creating opportunities for students. This fund honors that commitment while ensuring future generations of Clark State students have the support they need to complete their education and achieve their goals.”

The Student Opportunity Fund launched with support from 11 local families, community organizations and businesses known as the Cardinal Circle, each contributing $100,000 or more to establish the endowment. Named after the cardinal’s symbolism of friendship, support and the reminder that no one is ever truly alone, the group has provided the seed funding needed to begin serving students and building toward the campaign’s goal of $2 million.

The need for emergency assistance among college students is significant. According to a 2023 Trellis Strategies Financial Wellness Survey, 66 percent of Clark State students reported they would have difficulty coming up with $500 in cash or credit to cover an unexpected expense. Additionally, 41 percent said they ran out of money six or more times during the year.

“These numbers represent real students facing real challenges,” said Kerry Pedraza, executive director of the Clark State Foundation. “A broken-down car, a utility bill or an unexpected medical expense may not seem overwhelming to some people, but for many students, those situations can force difficult choices between meeting immediate needs and continuing their education. This fund provides hope and practical support at the exact moment it is needed most.”

College data shows that emergency assistance makes a measurable difference. Ninety percent of students who receive support continue to the next semester, while 100 percent report reduced stress and increased focus on their academics.

As an endowment, the Student Opportunity Fund will provide long-term support for students for generations to come. One hundred percent of gifts to the fund will directly benefit students facing unexpected financial hardships.

Clark State invites community members to celebrate the launch of the Dr. Jo Alice Blondin Student Opportunity Fund on May 28 from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Clark State TLC Rotunda, 570 E. Leffel Lane. The event will showcase how community support can help students stay on track to graduation, celebrate Blondin’s legacy and honor founding donors.

For more information about the Dr. Jo Alice Blondin Student Opportunity Fund or to make a donation, visit go.clarkstate.edu/jabsoflaunch or contact the Clark State Foundation at 937-328-6009 or foundation@clarkstate.edu.