“Experts are pointing to student loan debt as the next threat to our U.S. economy,” said Jennifer Denton, Emporia State University’s associate vice president for advancement, as she addressed those gathered for lunch recently. “Total student loan debt exceeded total credit card debt in 2010 and total auto loans in 2011, and surpassed the $1 trillion mark in 2012.”
These statistics were shared at a luncheon pairing the trustees of the Walter S. and Evan C. Jones Foundation with some of the many grateful students who have received Jones Foundation tuition aid. Denton went on to describe a recent study titled “Life Delayed” that found that debt-burdened graduates are delaying home purchases, opting out of entrepreneurial endeavors and delaying marriage and childbirth. These choices serve as an anchor, dragging down economic growth nationwide.
Here in Coffey, Lyon and Osage counties, we can thank the Jones Foundation for minimizing that burden on both our local graduates and our local economy. Over the past two decades, the Jones Foundation has given more than $7.8 million to support 2,236 Emporia State students to cover the costs of tuition, books and fees. This generosity is not only meaningful for the students. It also represents future regional economic growth made possible through reduced student debt load.
Recently, Emporia State and its students celebrated the life-changing difference the Jones Foundation has made to our students and community. Two of the many students receiving tuition assistance from the Jones Foundation are communication major Jacqueline Morris from Burlington and crime and delinquency studies major Monique Mason from Emporia.
Morris chose Emporia State because Emporia felt like home, and she believed Hornet Nation was genuine and willing to assist her when needed. She also liked how furthering her education was important to Emporia State’s faculty and staff. After four years, Morris believes the university’s faculty and staff still treat her the same as when she first stepped foot on the Emporia State campus.
“Receiving a scholarship from the Jones Foundation means having the chance to pursue the degree of my dreams, create memories I wouldn't have the opportunity to make otherwise, meet people I wouldn't have had the pleasure of meeting and attend a college I refer to as home,” Morris said.
“I pay for college out of my pocket. By receiving a scholarship each year, I was able to continue furthering my education. I have received some help from my parents over the years, but I have worked hard to be able to pay a large portion. Receiving this scholarship has helped me out more than anyone could ever know or understand.”
Mason chose Emporia State because she grew up in Emporia and it felt like the perfect place for her to attend. The best experience she’s had as a Hornet is being a part of SPURS, which stands for Service, Patriotism, Understanding, Responsibility and Sacrifice. SPURS is the Emporia State honor and leadership society that prides itself in performing services for the university and community. Another thing Mason has really enjoyed being a part of as a Hornet was the opportunity to organize Emporia State’s homecoming ceremony for two consecutive years.
“It means everything to me that I received a scholarship from the Jones Foundation,” Mason said. “Scholarships have given me the ability to complete college without having to worry about how I will have to pay for my next semesters. This scholarship helps me keep my focus on school and coursework instead of worrying about financial problems.”
“My academic career was enhanced when I received a scholarship from the Jones Foundation. It provides me with extra motivation to perform in the classroom so I can continue to receive the scholarship.”
Denton ended her comments by thanking the Jones Foundation trustees for their vision in creating these aid programs and by encouraging students to take advantage of complimentary budgeting and financial planning tools provided by American Student Assistance, the same non-profit organization who authored the “Life Delayed” study. The tool is called SALT and it can be accessed for free by any member of the university community at saltmoney.org/emporia.
For information about how you can be a part of Now & Forever, the Campaign for Emporia State University, please contact campaign manager Carol Cooper at 620-341-6463.