Xavier Families Help Those Students Still on Campus

May 4, 2020

It was April 7 — just shortly after most Xavier students had left campus — when a parent of a current student reached out to the Office of Residence Life saying they wanted to give back in some way.

They realized a need that could be filled: About two dozen Xavier students were still living on campus “due to travel or safety concerns,” the University said.

“They wanted to do what they could to make the students’ lives easier during this time,” said Lori Lambert, senior director for Student Affairs for the Office of Residence Life. “They mentioned wanting to send care packages to each student and this was before knowing how many students this might be.”

It turned out there were about two dozen, so the parent organized seven families to donate and purchase items. They were crafted while wearing masks and they disinfected items twice within a three-day period before shipping them to campus. Each package was hand-decorated by the children of the parents who coordinated the packages, and by April 20, the packages were delivered by resident assistants to student doors.

“The response from the 24 students was very positive,” Lambert said. “While they were certainly appreciative of the items in the packages, they were even more appreciative of the fact others were thinking of them during this challenging time and took action to show them this care.” 

The story and photos were then uploaded to the University’s parent Facebook page, and people marveled at the caring showed by the Xavier community.

“Xavier parents are the best around, so caring!” wrote Annamarie Mosier.

“So thoughtful and generous,” said Susan Williams.

“I am always appreciative of the generosity of the Xavier community and how often they think of others and not just themselves,” Lambert said. “When staff see the Jesuit values in action — Cura Personalis — it motivates all of us, especially in challenging times. I am so appreciative of all who participated.”

For others who might be interested in assisting students in need, you can always donate to the Student Emergency Fund.

 — By Ryan Clark, Office of Marketing and Communications