Posted on Mar 24, 2008 | by Tim Ellsworth

JACKSON, Tenn. (BP)--Scholarship America has made a $270,000 donation to Union University to help students with financial needs following the Feb. 5 tornado that did $40 million in damage to the Jackson, Tenn., campus.

Barb Weber, Scholarship America's assistant vice president for scholarship management services, presented the check to Union President David S. Dockery March 18. The funds for the donation were provided by a grant from the Lumina Foundation for Education.

"The last month has been a trying time for our university, but we are blessed by help we've received from so many around the country," Dockery said. "The aid from Scholarship America and Lumina will help hundreds of our students continue their education, and for that we are deeply grateful."

Union will administer the scholarship program, which is available for students who meet eligibility requirements for federal Pell Grants. Students may receive up to $1,500 in assistance.

Scholarship America is a nonprofit scholarship and educational support organization based in Minneapolis.

In recent days, other organizations also have come forward with support for Union's disaster relief efforts. First Bank in Jackson donated $110,000. First Baptist Church in Camden, Tenn., sent $61,000. Enterprise Rent-a-Car gave $20,000. Countless other businesses and ministries have made contributions as well.

H.B. London, head of Focus on the Family's pastoral ministries, encouraged listeners during a March 14 broadcast to join FOTF's efforts in helping Union.

"Please pray about how you can help restore the Union campus, so young men and women can continue pursuing their educations at this fine Christian institution," London said. "Continue praying for their staff and students as they rebuild."
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Tim Ellsworth is Union University's director of news and media relations.