PROVIDENCE – Two Catholic colleges are among those participating in a scholarship fund to benefit the children of The Station Nightclub fire victims. The Station Education Fund announced recently that Providence College and Salve Regina University, along with five other colleges, have pledged money toward tuition, books and other educational expenses for any student who lost a parent in the 2003 fire.
Providence College has established the Rebecca Shaw Higher Education Grant, named for a Providence College student and the daughter of a long-time faculty member, which will provide 100 percent of the demonstrated need for any child who qualifies for admission.
Providence College President Dominican Father Brian J. Shanley wrote in a recent letter: “The Providence College family knows intimately the heartache and sorrow that follows a fire in which young and promising lives are cut short.” He added that “Through the love of God and the renewing work of his Holy Spirit, those who mourn will be comforted.”
Salve Regina University has pledged to give any child affected by the tragedy full consideration in the financial aid application process. University Director of Communications Kristine Hendrickson, said that a student's entire situation is always a consideration in the financial process. "We always consider the full scope of a family's need when determining a financial aid package," Hendrickson emphasized.
She added that like the children who lost parents in the World Trade Center attacks or have parents who have served in the military, “children involved in The Station tragedy would receive full consideration."
Salve Regina University has also pledged an annual $500 award to any of these children who enroll in the university.
In addition to helping the college-aged children of The Station victims, Salve Regina has also created a mentoring program, in conjunction with the The Station Education Fund, to offer assistance to children as they prepare for college. “While a lot of the schools were coming together to focus on providing access to higher education, we felt there was an additional need to prepare them for college,” said Hendrickson.
The Station Education Fund was started by Michael and Jeffrey Derderian, the nightclub's owners, and Jody King, whose brother, Tracy, was a employee of the club and died in the fire. The fund benefits the 76 children who lost one or both parents in the Warwick fire that killed 100 people. The fund's mission, according to its web site, is to "help provide resources and outreach programs for these children for both their current and future educational needs."
