rkansas State University-Beebe is celebrating a record-setting Giving Tuesday, fueled by strong support from students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and community partners across the region.
This year’s Giving Tuesday campaign focused on raising funds for the Student Emergency Hope Fund, which provides short-term financial assistance to students experiencing unexpected hardships. Thanks to broad community participation and generous matching gifts, ASU-Beebe not only met but far exceeded its fundraising goal.
Two families helped amplify the impact of the day through matching contributions. Robin and John Hayes provided a $3,000 matching gift, while Lee Ann and Todd Burrow contributed a $2,500 match. Their generosity, combined with support from the Vanguard community and new partners, helped the university surpass its $15,000 goal for the Student Emergency Hope Fund.
In total, ASU-Beebe raised $28,734 in gifts and pledges specifically for the fund. Overall Giving Tuesday contributions across the institution reached $37,292, with additional gifts still being received.
“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 leaders also emphasized the direct impact of the fund. Augustus Harris, 2025-26 Student Government Association president, said the assistance can be life-changing for students facing sudden challenges.
“This fund changes lives, plain and simple,” Harris said. “One unexpected expense can derail an entire semester. Knowing our community believes in us and invests in us means more than words can say.”
ASU-Beebe Chancellor Dr. Jennifer Methvin echoed those sentiments, highlighting the strength of the university’s support network.
“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.”
The Student Emergency Hope Fund provides limited, short-term assistance to currently enrolled students who cannot meet essential expenses due to temporary or unexpected financial hardship. Typical awards range from $25 to $200, are not loans, and do not require repayment. Assistance may help cover needs such as food, transportation, childcare, books, academic essentials, or safety-related expenses.
Since its creation in 2020, ASU-Beebe has assisted 2,065 students across all campuses through emergency grants, Campus Cares pantries, and the Vanguard Giving Tree.
ASU-Beebe accepts contributions to the Student Emergency Hope Fund year-round. Community members can learn more or make a donation at www.asub.edu/giving
or www.asub.edu/givingtuesday
, selecting the Student Emergency Hope Fund as their designation.
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