Honoring the legacy of Dr. Alvaretta M. Baxter (“Alvy”)—a devoted educator and UCSC Kresge alumna (Class of ’90)—the Dr. Alvaretta Baxter Emergency Fund for Student Support helps meet emergent student needs through the African American Resource & Cultural Center (AARCC).
Dr. Baxter's life was devoted to uplifting underserved communities through education, and this project continues her commitment by providing timely assistance that can help students stay enrolled, engaged, and empowered. Through the generosity of Alvy's sister Bonita Baxter and best friend Dr. Gregory Canillas (Cowell '90), this fund was created and will be used for essential needs such as emergency housing, academic supplies, and other resources that directly impact student success.
“Alvy and I knew firsthand how a single unexpected expense could threaten a student’s path. The Dr. Alvaretta Baxter Emergency Fund ensures that no student has to choose between their education and an emergency." —Dr. Gregory Canillas
Support Students in Crisis—Every Dollar Makes a Difference
Your gift will directly help students facing unexpected financial hardships. No two students’ needs are the same, but every one of them deserves the chance to stay on track academically—no matter what life throws their way.
Here are just a few of the ways your support can help:
- Clearing outstanding campus balances to lift holds and allow students to enroll in classes
- Covering rent shortfalls that threaten a student’s housing stability
- Paying essential bills, like cell phone service or utilities, to help students stay connected and secure
- Purchasing classroom technology, such as graphing calculators, course subscriptions, or expensive textbooks
- Repairing a laptop or a car, especially when it’s essential for commuting to campus
- Handling unexpected life events that could otherwise derail a student’s education
Your gift can be the exact amount a student needs to overcome a temporary obstacle and continue their education without interruption. Your support today ensures that Dr. Baxter’s legacy lives on through the success of the next generation.
About the African American Resource & Cultural Center
The mission of the African American Resource & Cultural Center (AARCC) is to provide support for students in the African, Black, and Caribbean (ABC) communities at the University of California, Santa Cruz. We aim to foster an environment and community that supports all folks from the African Diaspora and encourages the pursuit of a deeper understanding of identity and culture as they relate to one’s educational journey.
The AARCC endeavors to empower ABC students and community members to explore, honor, and respect their intersecting identities throughout their educational journey. We aim to be a hub for the Black community on campus, while addressing systemic issues that impact the ABC community.
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