On May 30th, more than 80 University of Lynchburg (previously Lynchburg College) faculty and staff members who made our alma mater home lost their own homes due to unexpected budget cuts. These faculty and staff are the same ones who made the red chairs meaningful with those stimulating seminars held on the Dell, Christmas choir concerts echoing in the Chapel, engaging stock market stimulations in Schewel, and energizing debates in Hopwood. The same faces we saw in the library and career center who helped us plan our paths are now seeking new paths of their own. It’s time for us to return the care and support to our Lynchburg family with compassion and unity.

Many affected members have served our campus for decades; most thought they would retire from Lynchburg. Instead, they have been thrust into a time of intense transition–one we can help them through! Donations to this support fund would provide immediate relief to pressing needs, including but not limited to

1) legal consultations to help faculty and staff fully understand the terms of their severance packages and how those terms affect their next steps. The average legal counsel rate is $650/person.

2) child care for those who must shift from previous remote roles into year-round in-person positions;

3) mortgage payments for those who are on the verge of losing their homes due to the sudden loss of income; and

4) healthcare for caregivers with sick family members and those without insurnace.

Dr. David Murphy, CPA and retired Accounting professor, will conduct a transparent disbursement of this emergency fund and is developing an equitable system to support as many community members as possible. Dieyun Song ('15 and '17) is the organizer of this fundraiser. Should you have any questions, suggestions, or funding opportunities to share, please reach out to Dieyun at [email redacted], and Dr. David Murphy at [email redacted].

Thank you for considering a donation to our beloved faculty and staff. As we only have good faith in Lynchburg’s evolution and next steps, our goal is to provide attentive care beyond personal judgment. Now we can show the strength, empathy, and love our community has taught us and hold our beloved community through this challenging time.

It’s a great day to be a Hornet! It’s a great day to love courageously!