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Mission Moment: Update from an Abigail Davis Grant Recipient

September 9th, 2022
Filed Under: Foundation

Erica Bridges, Gamma Upsilon–North Texas, joined Alpha Delta Pi in 2019. During her collegiate experience, Erica served as her chapter’s Music Education Specialist, Director of Inclusion, and Director of Facility Management. But is the quality time spent with her sisters that Erica holds most dear:

“My fondest memories are having Taylor Swift evenings, going to Target almost every day, and going out to eat after chapter meetings with my closest chapter buddies. I’m grateful I had people with similar principles and ideals that helped me keep myself accountable if I didn’t meet my goals.”

This year, Erica became the first of her siblings to graduate college. With a degree in Home Furnishings Merchandise, a summer internship with Portico’s Collections at the Dallas World Trade Center, and a fall internship with the Disney College Program in Orlando, Florida, Erica has set herself up for a successful future. But these accomplishments were almost taken from her just before her last semester of college.

As Erica approached her final semester, she had exhausted all financial aid options and had no money left to pay her remaining tuition. Erica and her mother discussed options and feared Erica would need to postpone her last few classes – leaving behind her school, friends, and Alpha Delta Pi sisters. Then, a chapter officer told Erica about the Abigail Davis Emergency Grant and everything changed.

Abigail Davis Emergency Grants are one-time grants for collegiate members facing unforeseen financial circumstances who would otherwise be forced to withdraw from school. These grants can be used for tuition, books, and school fees, making it possible for our members to complete their education.

After working with her chapter sister to gather her application materials, Erica submitted her application in her last attempt to remain in school. Soon after, Erica learned she had received a grant from the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation and felt instant relief: “I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders since I could properly focus on my studies and spend quality time with my ADPi sisters.”

Now, Erica is a college graduate and ready to take the world head-on. She credits these accomplishments in part to the support of her Alpha Delta Pi sisters:

“I want to thank the Abigail Davis Emergency Grant Committee for providing me with the chance to complete college and for becoming the first sibling in my family to do so. I have nieces and nephews who look up to me, and I want to show them that hard work and devotion can get you through college. I’d also like to thank the sisters who supported the grant since I wouldn’t be here right now if it weren’t for them.”

Abigail Davis Emergency Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For more information about the Alpha Delta Pi Foundation’s Abigail Davis Emergency Grant program, please visit https://www.alphadeltapi.org/emergencygrants. To make a gift to the fund, please visit https://donate.alphadeltapi.org/adf.