Like millions of college students around the country, Hilbert sophomore Jocelynn Naylor is completing this school year online from home. What makes this Human Services major's current experience different is that in addition to completing her academic coursework online, Jocelynn has returned to her former work as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and is volunteering as part of Catholic Health's COVID-19 treatment team. When suddenly faced with our community's rapidly growing pandemic, Jocelynn did not hesitate to step up and step back into a healthcare role to help. "When I graduated from the BOCES Practical Nursing program, I took the Nightingale Pledge, promising 'as a missioner of health, I will dedicate myself to devoted service to human welfare.'" Jocelyn credits her experience at Hilbert for instilling an increased desire to help others and the self-assuredness to make it happen.

Jocelynn plans to pursue a career in Addiction and Substance Abuse. Her advice to the Hilbert community as we navigate the weeks and months to come? "Wash your hands. Stay calm. God's got this."

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented challenge for colleges. Our students have had to leave their typical college experience behind in exchange for distance learning, our faculty members are adjusting to teaching courses online in place of meeting face-to-face with students every day, and Hilbert staff are answering calls and emails from home offices.

From students who are willingly volunteering their time in healthcare settings, to faculty and staff who have stepped up to the plate to personally ensure student safety during this time of crisis, it has never been more clear that The Hilbert Difference extends far beyond campus boundaries.

When you contribute to Hilbert Giving Day, you are helping to lessen the burden on students who are adjusting to this new normal, and allowing us to expand our impact for future generations of Hilbert Hawks.

When you give to the Franciscan Student Resources Fund, your gift will go to support student emergency travel funds, urgent basic needs such as food and housing, remote education assistance, community online training sessions, and other campus responses that are sure to arise due to COVID-19. This fund will also support student scholarships, our student athletes and athletic programs, and so many other student programs and services to further meet the greatest needs of our Hilbert family.

Theres no limit to the difference we can make when we work together.

As a compassionate Franciscan community, we recognize that some alumni and supporters may not be in the position to give financially right now. There are other ways to help:

Post a video, photo, or written message on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter with words of encouragement and/or support for the Hilbert College community. (Tag us @hilbertcollege and use the hashtag #HilbertGivingDay)

Share congratulatory messages for the Class of 2020 to alumni@hilbert.edu

Now more than ever, we need your help to ensure Hilbert has the resources to help our campus community get through this challenging time together, while ensuring that Hilbert students can experience The Hilbert Difference well into the future.

Expand our Impact. Imagine what's next.