Old National Bank donates $10,000 to Moraine Valley Foundation

The Moraine Valley Community College Foundation recently received a $10,000 grant from Old National Bank to help support its Student Emergency Assistance Fund, which provides help to students in crisis who have to decide between meeting their basic needs or paying their tuition without financial assistance.

Susan Wade, vice president of Public Fund Banking at Old National Bank, said the bank wanted to help support the fund because it provides valuable aid for students pursuing a college education.

“We hope this donation will enable students to persist and complete their education when unforeseen financial barriers become obstacles. In addition to the affordability Moraine Valley offers, these wrap-around services can be critical to a student’s success,” Wade said.

The bank also donated $20,000 in 2020 to support the same fund. “This is the second emergency fund donation Old National Bank has given to the Foundation because it impacts so many students from so many backgrounds,” Wade said.

“We are so grateful to Old National Bank for its generous donations that allow us to help many students facing financial challenges,” said Kristy McGreal, executive director of the Moraine Valley Foundation. “Students who receive emergency funds always express how much this assistance means to them. Some would not be able to continue their studies if they did not receive these funds. The significant investment Old National Bank made in Moraine Valley students will truly make a difference in their ability to complete their college degree or certificate.”

Over the past year, the Moraine Valley Foundation funded over $50,000 in crisis needs by helping students cover utility bills, handle child care emergencies, pay for public transportation to campus and more.

Wade, who has served on the Foundation’s Board of Directors for seven years and is currently serving as its treasurer, noted that Old National Bank and its predecessors, First Midwest Bank and Standard Bank, have been very active in volunteering their time to support the Foundation over the years because they share a commitment with the college to make a positive impact on the community.

“Partnerships like ours make our communities stronger and, in turn, make our organizations stronger. Workforce development is integral to building our communities. When we can support students in achieving their dream of a college education and foster their ability to adapt to the needs of a changing workforce, lives are improved and communities are stronger,” she said.