15 Dec 2025 ASU-Beebe celebrates record support on Giving Tuesday
BEEBE — Arkansas State University-Beebe announced a record-setting Giving Tuesday with outstanding support from students, faculty, staff, donors, alumni, and community partners. This year, the college encouraged donors to support the Student Emergency Hope Fund, which assists students facing unexpected financial hardships.
Two families provided matching gifts to strengthen the impact of the day. Robin and John Hayes provided a matching gift in the amount of $3,000 match, and Lee Ann and Todd Burrow provided a matching gift in the amount of $2,500 match. Their generosity, along with the support from the Vanguard community, along with new partners, helped ASU-Beebe exceed the goal of $15,000 for the Student Emergency Hope Fund.
The college raised gifts and pledges totaling $28,734 for the fund. Overall Giving Tuesday contributions for ASU-Beebe totaled $37,292, and gifts are still coming in.
“This incredible support reflects the heart of our Vanguard community,” said Andrea Cole, associate vice chancellor for Institutional Advancement. “Every dollar removes barriers so students can stay enrolled, remain focused and continue working toward their goals.”
Student and leadership perspectives
“This fund changes lives, plain and simple,” said Augustus Harris, 2025-26 Student Government Association president. “Students face real challenges, and sometimes one unexpected expense can derail an entire semester. Knowing that our community believes in us and invests in us means more than words can say. On behalf of ASU-Beebe students, thank you for giving us hope.”
ASU-Beebe Chancellor Dr. Jennifer Methvin emphasized the impact of community support.
“Giving Tuesday demonstrated once again that when our students need help, our Vanguard family steps forward,” Methvin said. “This generosity directly strengthens our mission of transforming lives through education. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed and for the profound difference these gifts will make.”
About the Student Emergency Hope Fund
The Student Emergency Hope Fund provides limited, short-term financial assistance to currently enrolled students who cannot meet essential expenses due to a temporary or unexpected hardship. Average award amounts range from $25 to $200 per student and are typically awarded once. Awards are not loans and do not require repayment.
Emergency assistance may support:
• Perishable food items
• Gas or vehicle repairs
• Childcare
• Books or essential academic expenses
• Safety needs such as emergency shelter or lock changes
Students must be currently enrolled and able to provide documentation of financial hardship. Students enrolled for summer sessions or first-time students registered for the upcoming fall semester may also qualify. Since the fund was created in 2020, ASU-Beebe has served 2,065 students across all campuses through emergency grants, Campus Cares pantries and the Vanguard Giving Tree.
“As the needs in our service area grow, we continue to see students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members step up in extraordinary ways,” Cole said. “This year’s Giving Tuesday is a testament to the caring spirit of the Vanguard family.”
ASU-Beebe accepts contributions to the Student Emergency Hope Fund year-round. To learn more or make a gift, visit asub.edu/giving.
Community members are encouraged to donate online at www.asub.edu/givingtuesday and select Student Emergency Hope Fund as their designation. Gifts may also be mailed to the ASU-Beebe Office of Institutional Advancement, P.O. Box 1000, Beebe, AR 72012.
