“This year, it has been very stressful to stay motivated and continue excelling academically,” said Taryn Wallace, a junior accountancy major. “This scholarship means a lot to me because I feel an extreme amount of support and understanding. It shows that people recognize the struggles students have been facing and genuinely want to help.”

The gift also provided an unprecedented level of incremental research funding to support the research efforts of Gies faculty. The Dean’s office has solicited research proposals from full-time specialized and tenure-stream faculty. To date, nearly 60 high–quality proposals have been received. 

“With this generous support of our scientific mission, Gies faculty members were able to step back and think not only in terms of their next study, but also in terms of their entire research programs,” said Mark Peecher, Deloitte Professor of Accountancy and Associate Dean of Faculty. “This funding has generated positive buzz among the faculty and has been an encouraging, bright light in a challenging time for everyone.“  

Funds will also be used to support the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program, which helps in times of crisis or unexpected financial need.