CENTRAL – Southern Wesleyan University announced a $2,500 grant from Wells Fargo & Company to support the PASS Student Success Program for athletes.
The PASS program is the brainchild of SWU’s Faculty Athletic Representative, Emily Germain, who teaches in the Psychology Program on the main campus.
“Our move to the NCAA Division II was the catalyst for developing new ways to support the academic success of athletes stemming from the deep conviction by Division II to graduate athletes who are scholars and leaders,” said Dr. Todd Voss, president of SWU.
Southern Wesleyan identified a perfect location for the PASS Program in Rickman Library, created the structured tutoring elements and accountability system, and even found the furniture to outfit the space.
“What we were lacking were specialized computers and learning materials for the program and that is where the grant from Wells Fargo made all the difference,” Voss said. “We now have a model NCAA academic success program that is truly making a difference in the lives of our athletes. It has created a culture of excellence that is contagious at SWU.”
“The success of students is a critical element in keeping our communities strong and prosperous and Wells Fargo is committed to providing them with every possible resource to achieve long-term success,” said Robert Halfacre, Wells Fargo market president for Pickens and Oconee counties. “Today’s young people are tomorrow’s business owners, leaders and teachers, and we are proud to support Southern Wesleyan University in their efforts to provide student athletes with the tools needed to succeed.”
