The Senior Class Gift Committee for the Class of 2021 has launched an online crowdfunding page to raise money for its gift, the Kenny Robinson “Beat the Odds” Scholarship.

The Committee has an overall goal of $15,000 for the scholarship but is specifically hoping to raise $2,500 with this campaign by the end of November.

The crowdfunding page means there is a central location for anyone to donate any amount they wish. The link is also shareable so that it can be spread to parents, alumni, and friends of the university. At the time of publication, the Committee had reached nine percent of this goal, with $225 raised. There are 40 days remaining to reach the goal.

The Class of 2021 has selected to endow the Kenny Robinson “Beat the Odds” Scholarship, named after Mercyhurst alum Kenny Robinson ’20 who tragically passed away in May 2020. Kenny’s spirit, kindness, and constant way of putting others first are remembered in the scholarship. Kenny was an amazing baseball player, teammate, friend, and embodied what it means to be a Mercyhurst Laker.

The Class of 2021 is carrying on the annual tradition of leaving a gift to the school, but due to the effects of the pandemic, the Committee has been unable to organize many of the large-scale events that are usually the biggest fundraisers. This includes events like downtown bar crawls, collaboration with Erie businesses, and all events that include off-campus guests or off-campus travel. Because of this, crowdfunding events like this one are a great and safe way to raise money from a distance.

“We are so excited to provide this opportunity for people to donate to the Class Gift in honor of Kenny Robinson,” said Marina Boyle, Senior Class Gift Committee chair. “Kenny was a minority student who came from a background where there were obstacles all around him, and he beat the odds by overcoming these. I can’t think of a better way to honor him than by helping a future Laker to overcome obstacles to education through a scholarship. I hope that those who feel the same way are excited to donate to a cause in his name.”

Any donations are completely voluntary, but for those considering a donation, their gift will help to create the scholarship endowment for an annual award to be given to a student who is an example of an outstanding teammate. This means a team player whether in sport or in life, just as Kenny was. The scholarship candidate will also show how they have overcome challenges or are working to overcome adversity and that they maintain a positive attitude and energy no matter the obstacle.

Anyone is encouraged to donate, but in particular, the Class of 2021 would love support from baseball alumni and supporters, the Class of 2020 of whom Kenny was a member, those who knew Kenny, and anyone who was touched by Kenny’s story or spirit.

Participants can view the donor wall and any updates from the Class of 2021 Committee by following the link. Donations can be made at https://mhur.st/SCG2021 and more information can be found on the Class Gift Instagram, @HurstClassGift.

“For those who knew Kenny and those who did not, his story still resonates. In a year of turbulence and change for all of us, the Class of 2021 hopes that honoring Kenny can offer some hope to his family and the Mercyhurst community that loved him. Thank you to those who have made a contribution and thank you in advance to all those considering it,” Boyle said.