EAST LANSING, Mich. – International Studies and Program at Michigan State University has established a “Libyan Student Support Fund,” and is seeking donations to help support basic needs for Libyan students and their families.

The university is home to two student cohorts from Libya; one group consisting of about 25 students, most pursuing a graduate degrees in the College of Engineering. The other consists of 20 professionals pursuing specialized training as future international relations officers for Libya, international trade representatives, etc.

Both groups have lost all government sponsored support from Libya, leaving them stranded in the community with no means to secure their basic needs including food and housing. A number of students have chosen to return to Libya, others are not in a position to return for various reasons. The health of some family members requires critical medical care, and they are not able to travel.

Funds made available through the “Libyan Student Support Fund” will be distributed based on need through the Office of International Students and Scholars.
Michigan State University has been providing short-term support, though additional help is needed. As part of a connected world, the MSU community is no longer isolated from events and challenges faced by people and societies far away. Instead, MSU recognizes that it is affected by these events and takes action.

If you are interested in supporting the “Libyan Student Support Fund,” an effort lead by the Office for International Students and Scholars at MSU, please designate your gift to the Libyan Student Fund online at http://www.givingto.msu.edu/give.html. (http://www.givingto.msu.edu/give.html) For questions on how else to support this fund, please e-mail Rolf Dietrich, ISP Development Director, at dietri48@msu.edu or call at 517 432-7091.