Johnson C. Smith University News October 23, 2020 Johnson C. Smith University Awarded $100,000 Grant from Truist to support students learning remotely during the pandemic Truist Financial Corporation is paying it forward to students of Johnson C. Smith University by purchasing laptop computers for students learning remotely during the pandemic. While the majority of JCSU students have been supported with updated technology since the spring when the University began providing remote instruction due to COVID-19, our Information Technology Department recently assessed our student population to determine need for the 2020-2021 academic year. The assessment revealed that approximately 135 students are without the necessary technology to adequately support their studies in an on-going remote learning environment. Providing these students with new laptops will allow students to continue their education without interruption. "We are grateful for the significant support Truist has provided the University. Through our partnership with Truist we were able to supply our students with vital equipment necessary to access learning online while working remotely. Truist and Johnson C. Smith University have a shared vision to enhance the learning experience for our students through technology," said Tami Simmons, vice president of Institutional Advancement. The laptop donation ensures all students are equipped to continue their education without interruption. "We're proud to support the exceptional students of JCSU to help them overcome any financial obstacles they may face as a result of the pandemic," said Thomas Ransom, head of sales and client experience strategy and Historically Black Colleges and Universities lead at Truist. "At Truist, we're committed to partnering with HBCUs and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion for all we serve. We hope this donation helps alleviate any technology or financial gaps students may experience so they can remain confident and focused on their education." SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> Honor the ancestors, honor the children and those yet to come. Building Capacity for Humanities Special Collections at HBCUs - Become an ally and partner with us to protect, preserve and share a more authentic record of American history. Follow this link http://hbculibraries.org/humanities-2019.html for more information. Follow this link http://hbculibraries.org/ and click on the Donate Now button to invest in this project. Your support is appreciated. Follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter at https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/