Karen Lange Student Emergency Fund
Providing critical financial assistance in moments of crisis, the Karen Lange Student Emergency Fund helps students stay focused on their studies and moving toward graduation.
Providing critical financial assistance in moments of crisis, the Karen Lange Student Emergency Fund helps students stay focused on their studies and moving toward graduation.
At the University of St. Thomas, we believe every student deserves dignity, personal attention and the opportunity to pursue their goals. Yet, unexpected emergencies can threaten their ability to continue their education. A sudden medical bill, food or housing insecurity, transportation challenges or a family crisis can disrupt stability and put a student’s future at risk.
The Karen Lange Student Emergency Fund provides vital support to students facing unexpected challenges that could disrupt their ability to remain at the university and successfully complete their degrees. The fund offers short‑term assistance for essential needs—including basic living expenses, urgent academic‑related costs, and other unforeseen financial barriers—to help students stay focused on their educational goals during times of crisis.
A gift to this fund supports unrestricted, flexible grant funds that can be awarded quickly to students in crisis so they can remain at the university and successfully complete their degrees. Your investment elevates the St. Thomas mission, showing our students they are seen, valued and loved.
Have questions or want to make a bigger impact? Contact Linda Baughman, Dean of Students, to learn more.
It’s in these moments that emergency funding makes all the difference. Your generosity provides students with the stability and hope they need to remain on track with their education. I’m deeply grateful for the donors who make this possible and invite you to join us in ensuring no student faces these challenges alone.
Thank you for considering a gift to the student emergency fund. Your support changes lives and upholds the values that make St. Thomas distinctive—dignity, personal attention and care for every student."
-Karen Lange, Vice President for Student Affairs
The emergency grant is available to assist and support degree-seeking St. Thomas students who are experiencing a financial hardship due to an unanticipated event that will severely impact their academic success or their ability to remain a student.
The Karen Lange Student Emergency Fund provides vital support to students facing unexpected challenges that could disrupt their ability to remain at the university and successfully complete their degrees. The fund offers short‑term assistance for essential needs—including basic living expenses, urgent academic‑related costs, and other unforeseen financial barriers—to help students stay focused on their educational goals during times of crisis.
Students apply through a form provided by the Student Affairs office.
Students may receive a grant of $750–$3,000 based on their situation. Typically, students are limited to one grant per academic year.
No. We rely on the generosity of donors to help support this fund and help as many students who submit requests as possible.
Whether you're making a first-time gift or expanding your giving legacy, your support of the Karen Lange Student Emergency Fund transforms lives on and off campus.