Frueauff Foundation commits $60,000 to Oglethorpe for scholarships

The Charles A. Frueauff Foundation (CAFF), a long-time supporter of Oglethorpe University, committed $60,000 to the university for scholarships at its November 4 Board meeting, which was held on the Oglethorpe campus.

“We are grateful for the support of the Charles A. Frueauff Foundation over the years and take seriously the trust they have in us to provide students with a high-quality education,” President Kathryn McClymond said. “Affordability is a top concern for students and their families, and the funding for scholarships will make a tremendous difference.”

Based in Little Rock, Arkansas, CAFF has awarded more than $1.4 million to Oglethorpe since 1981.

In January of this year CAFF awarded Oglethorpe $55,000 for student mental health. Those funds have been used to launch an after-hours program called the Petrel After-Hours Support System (PASS) housed in the Counseling Center.

PASS provides after-hours support to students experiencing a mental health crisis. Students living on and off campus can talk to a qualified counselor by calling the Counseling Center main number at 404-364-8456.

PASS also allows anyone in the OU community to call after-hours to express concern about a student and consult. The program is designed to assist campus staff in responding to after-hours student concerns. Campus Safety and Residence Life staff may encourage students in emotional distress to call and speak with a counselor and receive a prompt assessment, recommendations, and safety planning.

“Raised by a single mom and educator, David and I have always believed in the value and importance of education,” said Anna Kay Frueauff, a CAFF trustee and vice president of communications and programs. “Growing up, college was a ‘given’ for us. Today, there’s so much research to backup the importance of pursuing a college degree, not just for monetary objectives but in mental health risk factors linked to educational level or levels, according to a University of Massachusetts Global study. CAFF is pleased to provide support to Oglethorpe, not only to assist with student’s mental health needs, but also the important financial needs of the students as well.”

The Charles A. Frueauff Foundation was founded in 1950 by the Last Will and Testament of Charles A. Frueauff, a successful New York attorney who gave his time and resources to many New York charitable organizations. Since 1950, the Foundation has awarded over 10,000 grants in excess of $200 million to more than 1,200 agencies and institutions. The foundation focuses on education, human services and health-related causes around the country and is dedicated to supporting those on the front lines, working to address the needs of their neighbors and communities.