Why I Give: Supporting Students after Helene

Close up headshots of Susan and Ritch Allison with the western North Carolina mountains in the background

Ritch and Susan Allison share why they gave to the Carolina Student Impact Fund.

Ritch ’89, ’95 (MBA) and Susan ’89 Allison came to UNC-Chapel Hill as first-generation college students and are now passionate Carolina alumni and supporters.

“An education from Carolina can completely change someone’s life. It certainly changed ours,” said Susan Allison.

After Ritch obtained his MBA from UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School, he worked at Bain & Company for many years, then spent 11 years at Domino’s Pizza, the last four of which he served as the company’s CEO. Susan worked in radio and television production for 10 years before transitioning to nonprofit work after the couple’s children were born. Over the years she’s worked for many organizations that support youth in crisis and people experiencing homelessness.

The Allisons remained connected to the University, even as life and work took them away from North Carolina – first to Boston, Massachusetts, then Atlanta, Georgia, and then to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Both of the Allisons’ children graduated from Carolina; they established a scholarship program and a mentorship program at UNC Kenan-Flagler; and they even returned for as many Carolina football and basketball games as possible.

After Ritch’s retirement in 2022, the Allisons moved back to Chapel Hill, where they now enjoy living close to campus.

When Hurricane Helene devastated much of western North Carolina, the Allisons had several friends who were directly affected. They were in close contact with their friends and eager to help where they could, but they also wanted to make a gift that could have a significant impact on many affected families. Susan read about the Carolina Student Impact Fund in an email from the University, and immediately saw it as a meaningful way to support Carolina students who come from the affected counties.

“I know from my work with youth in crisis that while an event like Hurricane Helene may be a small setback for some, it can also be the thing that completely derails life for others,” said Susan Allison. “Our hope is that this gift will help students be able to finish their education at Carolina, without having to take time off from school because their family is in crisis and may not be able to help them with college costs for a while. We want to help these students graduate without interruption and go on to be successful North Carolinians who give back to our state. We also hope that this gift helps them to feel love and support from the University community during a stressful time.”

The Allisons made a $50,000 gift to the Carolina Student Impact Fund to offer immediate support to students affected by Hurricane Helene. The Carolina Student Impact Fund was launched in 2018, immediately following Hurricane Florence, by donors who understood that Carolina needs flexible funding at-the-ready to help students when they need it most. Gifts to the Carolina Student Impact Fund help ensure that students can navigate crises whether they come in the form of natural disasters, pandemics or other emergencies.

The University estimates that almost 4,500 current undergraduate, graduate and professional students are from areas impacted by Hurricane Helene. As of Nov. 13, 2024, the UNC Office of Scholarships and Student Aid has disbursed payments to almost 50 students affected by Hurricane Helene, with payments totaling $45,000.

Students who may need help from the Carolina Student Impact Fund may email [email protected]. The fund can be used for nearly any expenses that are related to losses from the event, whether it be replacing clothing, laptops, books or other items destroyed by the hurricane; transportation costs to allow travel back and forth to help their families as needed; or housing costs during breaks if there is not an appropriate or available home to return to during breaks. Students who request help from the Carolina Student Impact Fund may also request reconsideration of their financial circumstances due to loss of family income or assets.

Learn more about the Carolina Student Impact Fund here.

Written by Audrey Smith
Photo of the Allisons submitted by subjects
Photo of the western North Carolina mountains by Jeyhoun Allebaugh

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