A ‘personal and moving’ gift: Eastern Michigan University’s April 2020 graduating class reacts to special and timely help from GameAbove alumni group

Green gift package from GameAbove

YPSILANTI – After a final semester of unprecedented challenge and change, Eastern Michigan University’s April 2020 students received a glowing piece of good news late last month.

In response to the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the economy and job market, the GameAbove alumni group Vee Kennedyannounced the creation of the Alumni Pay-it-Forward fund to provide immediate financial support to the 2,270 EMU students who graduated over the April 25 weekend.

The group’s $2 million donation to help students included an immediate gift of nearly $600 for each EMU April 2020 graduate, without obligations or restrictions regarding eligibility or use. The donation also included a $400 gift that will be made in the fall to each new incoming freshman student to help them get started in a year filled with uncertainty and anxiety over COVID-19.

This spring’s EMU graduates were quick to show their appreciation for GameAbove’s gesture.

“I still can’t fathom it’s real,” said Vee Kennedy, who graduated with dual master’s degrees in Creative Writing and Written Communication – The Art of Teaching Writing. “It’s such a generous gift, and in a time when so many of us will struggle to find work after graduation.”


A sample of further reaction from the class of 2020:

Camila Henriquez Mora

Camila Henriquez Mora, Lima, Peru, bachelor's in economics

"Due to the current situation, my after-graduation plans crashed. The job market is on hold for the most part. Receiving the GameAbove graduation gift brings relief to me. It not only allows me to have some financial back up, it also gives me the opportunity to explore other options, like pursuing a master's Program. I am personally thankful and hope to give back one day. This gift shows how united the EMU family is. "


Megan Harris, Farmington Hills, bachelor’s in marketingMegan Harris

“When I saw that each graduate was receiving $600, I was in shock. I think I read the statement three times before believing it. This graduation gift was a blessing in disguise for me. 

“My father passed away halfway through my time at Eastern. I failed a lot of classes that semester, and I worked hard to bring my grades back up while grieving and helping my family. I wasn’t working during this time, which greatly hurt my finances.

“Money is tight, and all throughout college I have been worried about finances. The Coronavirus made these concerns even worse for me. I really needed this $600 to feel some sort of comfort and ease during this time. I will be saving all of this money in hopes that I can feel financially secure one day, and in turn give back to my family. 

“I think back on all the great memories I have at Eastern and all the hard work the staff had put in to ensure my experience was unforgettable. Eastern has provided me with more than I could ever ask for from a university. 

“I want to say thank you to GameAbove for providing the funds for this. This act of giving back to students is so thoughtful and much needed during this time. I am so proud to be associated with GameAbove and Eastern Michigan University.” 


Desmine Robinson, Taylor, bachelor’s in psychologyDesmine Robinson

GameAbove's graduation gift is so surprising and at times unbelievable. Gestures like these are rare and usually something you only see in a movie or a book as a deus ex machina. But now we're experiencing one in real life!

“This gift is going to help me pay some of my bills in advance for a couple of months, buying me time to get my life in order after graduation. God is good and I'm so thankful for these alumni – they haven't forgotten where they came from.

“This EMU pride and love is something to be cherished and is a grand gesture of the goodness of humanity. Thank you so much, GameAbove!”


Courtney Marshall, Alpena, master’s degree in arts administrationCourtney Marshall
“I was very surprised and emotional when I received the email that all Winter 2020 Graduates were receiving $600 from GameAbove.

“But I found it personal, and moving that this large gift was coming from a wonderful group of EMU Alumni. I am thankful for this gift that has eased my financial stress of graduating from EMU, being unemployed and not knowing when I will be able to find a job now.

“This gift will be used to help me pay for food and shelter while I continue to job hunt. Thank you, GameAbove. I can't think of a more touching way to be welcomed into the EMU alumni family during these unprecedented times.”

GameAbove is a group of EMU alumni that has over the past six months donated more than $13 million in funding a variety of initiatives supporting EMU students, faculty and the greater community.

The group’s Advisory Board members expressed its congratulations to the new group of graduates through a special video message. EMU Spring 2020 graduates can visit the GameAbove Pay It Forward website  for additional details on how to receive their gift.

About GameAbove

At GameAbove, our primary focus is to help shape, inspire and support the current and future students of Eastern Michigan University by reaching new heights in learning through transformation and inspiration in the educational experience. Together, we will strive for that next level of success with a GameAbove all others. The GameAbove family of organizations will also help improve the higher education experience by exploring and supporting the use of innovative financial models to sustain universities, creative giving within the community, enhancing the campus environment, elevating athletics, and promoting pioneering academic programs. www.gameabove.com

Contact for GameAbove: Denis Wolcott: DWolcott@FraserCommunications.com

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves nearly 18,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and, its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.

May 06, 2020

Written by:
Geoff Larcom

Media Contact:
Geoff Larcom
glarcom@emich.edu
734-487-4400