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When you make a gift to the Support-A-Student program, the funds are distributed to those students with the most need for financial assistance. These grants are often the final piece of a "financial aid package" without which many students would not be able to afford college. The following are a few expressions of thanks from students who were recipients of these funds.

Dear Donor:

I am writing to express my deepest appreciation for your kindness and generosity in your donation. You have helped my family tremendously with your financial support. I would not be here today without your help.

I am currently in my second semester at Champlain College. My major is Media Communications and Public Relations. I have enjoyed the experiences and challenges here at Champlain, from studying and homework, to dealing with peer pressure and average college life.

I am the youngest of three daughters. Each of us is currently enrolled in college and the bills have become extreme. After my second sister enrolled in college the family was going through a lot of money problems. I couldn't picture myself in college after hearing my parents talk about the money problems. You have given me the greatest gift ever: Education. Without your help I would not be able to get where I want to go in life. I wouldn't be able to fulfill my dream of becoming a director or working for a television company.

Thank you so very much for your compassion. This will encourage me to follow my dreams and learn the most that I can to start my career and achieve my life's goal. I can't express enough to you how grateful I am for this gift. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Sincerely,
Mikaela Shea

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Dear Donor:

I am very appreciative of the financial support that has been given to me from generous people like you. I am living proof that where there is a will there is a way and I am very fortunate that there are people out there that support me in making my dreams come true.

I am the second oldest of four children, and so far the only person on my mother's side of the family to continue on to college. For as long as I can remember, college has been in my future and part of my life plans. I think it is very important to have choices in life and the only way that doors can be opened and ceilings broken is through education. I will be able to have the freedom of making my own decisions and I will never have to be "stuck" in life because I was allowed to expand my horizon by attending Champlain College.

Your contribution has helped me in ways you can only imagine. This past year my mother was diagnosed with cancer and my stepfather lost his job. I still continued to strive for college with the notion that my financial situations were not going to hold me back. I think I try harder than most freshman because the opportunity to go to college was not handed to me by my parents and I know that a lot of people have put their resources and faith in me to be a successful student. Everyday that I walk up the hills of the main campus on my way to classes, I am grateful that I was allowed the chance to be here.

In closing thank you again; your generosity has meant a great deal to me.

Sincerely,
Carey Lynn Foley

These are just two of many letters that sum up how important an Annual Fund contribution can be to Champlain and our students.