St. Andrew High School past student in dire need of tuition assistance at Fisk University, TN

Samantha Levy, a bright and energetic 23 year old young woman, got the opportunity to attend Fisk University in Nashville, TN as an international student.  She is mere weeks away from graduating in May 2010.  She has received generous financial aid, and in the 2007-2008 academic year she was a Provost scholar.  She currently maintains a 3.32 GPA despite taking rigorous science courses, and she hopes to go into the field of medicine or biomedical research upon graduation.  Samantha is also an Orientation leader, a member of the Fisk University Choir, International Student Association, and Caribbean Students Association. When she’s not studying, she enjoys playing the violin, singing, and reading.

However, Samantha hit an obstacle in her final semester at Fisk.  Due to extreme family hardship, her mother has not been able to pay the balance of her tuition in full.  Fisk administrators say they are left with no choice but to de-register Samantha and send her home for non-payment.  In February, members of the Tennessee Jamaican Diaspora met with the Provost at Fisk to obtain a 30 day extension.  Thus far, with the help of the St Andrew High School Old Girls Association & Dr. Natalie Dickson, they have raised most of the outstanding $6,500 tuition bill.

Samantha still needs $3,352 by this Friday, March 12.  Please, don’t let this promising student’s dreams die because of family hardship.  Take a moment to give whatever you can- $10, $20, $50, or more, by following the instructions below:

• Payments may be remitted online at www.afford.com/fisk for Samantha Levy student ID # 000040204 (put in SSN slot).
• Click the PAY IN FULL button and donate whatever you can afford.  
• You will receive a confirmation number by email.  Please let Janeth Brown of the TN Jamaican Diaspora know by emailing [email protected] so that we can keep a tally of the amount.
• Questions may be directed to Fisk University’s Students Accounts Coordinator Beth Egan at 615-329-8548 or via email at [email protected]  or M. Christopher Brown, Executive Vice President and Provost 615-329-8548.