Friday JohnKu – AKA -TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News

~ John W. Howell
Today’s story is lifted directly from the Good News Network. I hope you enjoy it.

Anonymous Donor Pays Off Student Debt for Entire 2022 College Class in Texas

Wiley College

Students at a Texas College graduated last week not only with their diplomas but with their balances cleared suddenly by an anonymous donor.

More than 100 students assembled for the 133rd graduation ceremony at Wiley College and were shocked to hear President & CEO Dr. Herman J. Felton, Jr. announce that their balances had been paid off.

The recent pandemic had exacerbated some students’ ability to pay their debts, so some graduates and parents in the audience in Marshall, Texas, were especially thrilled to hear the news.

“Our commitment to our students goes beyond their time while they are enrolled,” said Felton. “We are grateful for this anonymous donor who will assist the students in paying off their balances.”

The estimated total owed by the class of 2022 in the historically Black college was $300,000.

“As Wiley College closes the academic semester and prepares for its Sesquicentennial Celebrations beginning in July, this is a great way to start the celebration of 150 years of the College’s contributions to the world.”

Wiley College, with its focus on social good and leadership, has reduced its tuition in the past years to $17,500 to cover fees, room, and board.

Now the school’s motto is even more appropriate: “Go forth Inspired.”

The Good news here is someone thought enough of these students to give what he felt necessary to give them a great start. Today’s JohnKu talks about giving. I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Generosity by John W. Howell

Whenever it comes,

Generosity is love . . .

We need more of it.

84 thoughts on “Friday JohnKu – AKA -TGIF – Fri-Yay/Good News”

  3. That is terrific news, John. I’ve heard good things about Wiley Collage. The fact that they reduced their tuition in order to help students receive an education speaks volumes. And blessings to that anonymous donor! (Although I feel he/she was already blessed just by giving.)

    Liked by 2 people

  4. What a beautiful story. Tuition in the States is so ridiculous. That these students were surprised by such a donation is such a fantastic graduation gift.

    Liked by 1 person

  11. How extraordinary! A gift that truly will keep giving! Thank you for sharing, John, and thank you too for the beautiful haiku. 😊

    Liked by 1 person

  18. Tuition is so high at public universities because most no longer get much $$ from state legislatures. When I was the Dean of the College of Media at the University of Illinois, I got only about 10% of my annual budget from the state of Illinois. Two decades before I got there, the university received almost 50% of its budget from the legislature. That meant deans had to raise money through donations from alumni and higher tuition rates, which of course translated into more student loans. A sad state of affairs. Private colleges and universities often have larger endowments to draw upon, but their tuition rates are almost always much higher than those of public universities such as Illinois, etc. Just wanted to leave that explanation with you from someone who lived through annual budge battles for 13 years.

    Liked by 2 people

  21. What a great story! And how wonderful it must feel knowing you did something so generous for these students while they’re able to enjoy and appreciate it. Thanks for a day-brightener, John!

    Liked by 2 people

  29. This is a good news story!
    Why does education cost so much? It seems unproductive for the future generation.

    I worked Thurs. – Sun. at a night club, to pay my way. I went to work, then came home and did homework. I did not sleep on Thursdays for 2 years. I still owed when I graduated. Took about 8 years to pay it off….slowly….. while interest was added.

    Fab JohnKu!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I know right. The main reason is colleges are getting fewer tax dollars. I worked all through college. Retail, Post Office, bar tender, paper route, busboy and summers mowing lawns. I didn’t have any debt but when I went to school tuition was maybe $600.00 for the year. All I had to do was cover that, books, rent, and food. I managed quite well. 😁

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Ahh, the good old days! My tuition was around the same. But Toronto was an expensive place to live. It’s worse now.
        Oh well, my education did me well!

        Liked by 1 person

  34. Pingback: Smorgasbord Blogger Weekly – #Goodnews John Howell, #Steampunk Richard Dee, #Poetry Robbie Cheadle & Yvette Calleiro, #Characters Gwen Plano, #Reunion Pete Springer & Jennie Fitzkee, #Interview Marcia Meara & Mike Allegra | Smorgasbord B

  35. This is truly what love and generosity are all about. Bravo, and thanks for sharing such a great story, John. All the best.

    Liked by 1 person

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