E-News from Averett University - November 2021
From a Grateful Averett Family
The pandemic certainly gave us more than enough buzzwords — state guidelines, fluid situation, mask mandates, unprecedented times, due to Covid-19… But none of them ring truer at Averett University than “thankful.” 

We are thankful for the remarkable resiliency of everyone in the Averett Family — students and their families who overcame immense obstacles; faculty members who demonstrated adaptability at its finest; and staff who worked tirelessly to secure the complete Averett experience for our students. 

Our gratitude doesn’t stop there. It extends to the encouragement of a wonderful community, to collaboration with dedicated partners, to the engagement of committed alumni and to steadfast support from our generous benefactors.
We’ve used November as an opportunity to express this gratitude on Averett Thankful Thursdays, and as we continue to look for ways to lift up our students, prepare the future workforce, give back to our communities and grow the strength of our region, we are asking for your help. 

On Tuesday, Nov. 30, Averett will participate in Giving Tuesday. During this time, donors can give a tax-deductible gift of their choosing to the University. And Giving Tuesday kicks off our December Match Challenge — each gift you give by December 31 will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, up to $40,000! Just imagine what a gift of $250 that suddenly becomes $500 could do for Averett students! Don’t miss this opportunity to give and double your impact.

We hope that you’ll consider giving, and we thank you sincerely for all you do for Averett. We wish you a joyous holiday season, and we are eager to connect with you even more in the new year.
Averett Celebrates Christmas Returns In-Person
Don’t miss out on this holiday tradition! Arts@Averett presents “Averett Celebrates Christmas” on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021, at 7 p.m. in Pritchett Auditorium in the Violet T. Frith Fine Arts Center (150 Mountain View Ave.).

The Averett Music Department renews the tradition of "Averett Celebrates Christmas" with a collaboration of student and community performers. Join us to awaken your Christmas spirit.
Soaring to New Heights: AU Aviation Services
After entering into a lease agreement with the City of Danville on July 1, Averett University officially cut the ribbon celebrating AU Aviation Services, the new Fixed Based Operator (FBO) of the Danville Regional Airport. The grand opening recognized Averett’s commitment not only to the airport, but also to all who travel through it. 
Click here to read more about the grand opening and industry veteran John Earl who was hired to serve as AU Aviation Services’ inaugural FBO manager. 
Advocating for Averett Students
Averett is encouraging all members of our campus and community to support students through advocating for funding at the state and federal levels. 

2021 VTAG Outreach Campaign
The Commonwealth of Virginia provides Virginia Tuition Assistance Grants (VTAG) as non-need-based grants for Virginia residents attending a participating Virginia private college or university. Although the maximum award is authorized every two years, the amount is not guaranteed and can vary annually.

We are asking our campus community, friends and community members to write emails to their elected officials to support our students’ educational pursuits. The volume of emails is always a positive metric to show our support as a university community. If you are from out of state, you can write a letter in support of Averett or a specific student.

This year, we are asking our state government to increase the VTAG award to $4,500 from $4,000. This increase in funding will go a long way in supporting our students financially and will allow access to an Averett education. The state has the increased funding, and we are excited to show how important this program is to our students. You can send your letters and show your support by clicking here.

Double Pell Campaign
Federal Pell Grants are used by college students as funding to reduce or prevent student debt. Over the course of several decades, Pell Grant funding has declined, making it burdensome for students to fund their education and achieve their dreams.

Here at Averett, over 40% of undergraduate students received the Pell Grant for the 2021-22 academic year, which demonstrates how significant it is for our students. 

Currently, the United States Congress is debating Pell Grant funding and whether it should be increased. That’s why we are asking you today to please consider writing a letter asking Virginia Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner, along with Representative Bob Good, to tell Congress to double Pell!

Our students appreciate your support!

AVERETT IN THE NEWS
Catch up on all the great media coverage Averett University has received recently by clicking here.
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