The endowment will provide funding for students who are experiencing unexpected or emergency setbacks that may be barriers to continuing their education. The fund is in honor of retiring president Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, whose tenure is ending after 13 years.
Clark State College has established a new endowment in honor of Dr. Jo Alice Blondin, the college’s president, who is retiring in June 2026 after 13 years in the role. The Dr. Jo Alice Blondin Student Opportunity Fund will provide funding to students who are experiencing unexpected or emergency setbacks that may be barriers to continuing their education. The fund has been established to serve as a lasting legacy for Dr. Blondin and continues a college tradition that began more than 50 years ago when a similar fund was established via partnership between former Clark State President Richard Brinkman and W. Dean Sweet.
According to an article on Clark State College’s website, Alicia Sweet Hupp, who is a former Clark State College Board trustee member, a trustee emerita, and the daughter of W. Dean Sweet, was quoted as saying, “My father believed that when students face unexpected hardships, a caring community can make all the difference. Dr. Blondin has dedicated her career to removing barriers and creating opportunities for students. This fund honors that commitment while ensuring future generations of Clark State students have the support they need to complete their education and achieve their goals.”
The Cardinal Circle helped launch The Dr. Jo Alice Blondin Student Opportunity Fund. The Cardinal Circle is a group of 11 local families, community organizations, and businesses who each contributed at least $100,000 to the fund. The campaign goal for The Dr. Jo Alice Blondin Student Opportunity Fund is $2 million.
In a 2023 survey, 66% of Clark State College’s students reported that they would have trouble coming up with $500 to cover an unexpected expense, and 41% percent of the college’s students said they ran out of money at least six times during the year.
Kerry Pedraza, who serves as the executive director of the Clark State Foundation, said of these survey results, “These numbers represent real students facing real challenges. A broken-down car, a utility bill or an unexpected medical expense may not seem overwhelming to some people, but for many students, those situations can force difficult choices between meeting immediate needs and continuing their education. This fund provides hope and practical support at the exact moment it is needed most.”
In the Fall 2026 semester, the fund will officially be available to provide students grants of up to $500 to pay for expenses that threaten their ability to continue their education. The endowment will help students for generations to come, as 100% of all gifts that come into the fund will go directly to students in need.
According to the gift contribution form, the types of expenses the grants can cover include essential books, supplies or technology needed for classes; Emergency childcare so parents can attend school; Transportation or car repairs to reach campus or work; Medical or dental bills not covered by insurance; and Housing or utility crises.
Dr. Blondin said, “Throughout my career, I have seen incredibly talented students come close to leaving college because of circumstances completely beyond their control. For many students, $500 is a lot of money. It can determine whether they stay enrolled, get to class, keep the lights on at home or continue pursuing the future they envision for themselves and their families. This fund reflects my belief that no student’s education should be interrupted because of a temporary financial crisis.”
For more information about Clark State College, visit the school’s website.