Fundraiser underway to help two incoming freshmen
As the war in Ukraine continues, so do efforts from Northwood University to support Ukrainian students, including two student-athletes who seek to leave Ukraine for the safety of Northwood’s Midland campus.
In March, Northwood began fundraising efforts to help Iryna Trystan, a Northwood senior and member of the women’s tennis team. At the time, Iryna faced an uncertain future as Russian troops invaded her home country. In response to her story, more than 150 supporters donated to ensure Iryna could remain at Northwood University. Through this generosity, Iryna is now preparing to begin studies at Northwood’s DeVos Graduate School of Management. With support from others who cherish freedom, Iryna’s tuition and campus housing costs are now covered.
“These donors made their voices heard; they demonstrated to Iryna and her fellow Ukrainians that they matter, and we stand behind their effort to maintain their independence from Russia,” stated Northwood President Kent MacDonald. He also said, “Russia’s invasion into Ukraine has only made defenders of liberty come together to decry Russian President Vladimir Putin’s attack on freedom.”
Iryna is incredibly moved by the support. “By launching this fundraiser, people around the globe donated money and expressed their support for all of us! I could not be more happy and grateful for everything Northwood has done. My university cares about their students,” she said.
Over the past two decades, many Ukrainian students have attended Northwood University. Through Iryna’s story, now even more Ukrainian students have heard about Northwood and expressed their desire to attend. Yuliia Khmara and Kuzma Zubrii are two of those students who have applied to Northwood. Both have been accepted and plan to relocate to Midland. Generous donors, partnering with Northwood, are providing financial and administrative support to get Yuliia and Kuzma to campus for Fall 2022. However, even more help is needed to support their needs for the length of their academic journey at Northwood.
Both students have endured the horrible reality of war, including the uncertainty of where they would live and the loss of fellow citizens and loved ones. For their parents and families, the gift of scholarships grants them peace of mind that their children will be safe and receive a world-class business degree.
To help Northwood’s efforts to provide an education and sanctuary for those seeking a university where freedom is a core value, please consider donating to help Kuzma and Yuliia by visiting our scholarship fundraising page or by texting the word IDEA to 71777.
“I want to thank Northwood University and all the donors again! My educational pursuits would not be possible without generous donations to Northwood’s Freedom Through the Aspire Fund,” Iryna noted. “Moreover, I’m excited to see other Ukrainian students joining our community to pursue their personal and professional goals!”
Justin Marshall, vice president of advancement and business development, noted Northwood is grateful for the support the Midland community has shown Iryna, and “the university is thankful to know Midland will be a haven for these students beyond our campus borders.” Marshall added he was proud to see so many community members step forward to help Northwood’s efforts to help these students.
Northwood University announced an effort to help two new Ukraine students come to Midland. The university, in March, raised $30,000 to help Northwood senior Iryna Trystan remain in Midland to pursue a master’s degree while she continues the process of seeking asylum. Now, Northwood is raising funds to help two additional Ukrainian students who have applied and been accepted and will leave Ukraine for the safety of Northwood’s campus in Midland in time for the fall semester.
