Guidance for Well-Wishers After 20/20 Update

Shawn Grim, one of the young people featured in 20/20’s “A Hidden America:  Children of the Mountains,” is now enrolled at Union College in Barbourville, Ky.   

The Union College community would like to thank those who have expressed an interest in supporting Shawn and learning more about his progress as he pursues a college education.  Many have responded generously to the 20/20 special, offering gifts ranging from a computer to words of encouragement.  These gifts encourage not only Shawn, but others like him who earnestly want to earn a degree but whose lack of financial resources can be a daunting obstacle.

Through the generosity of local and extended communities, Shawn’s needs are being met and he is now focused on resuming his college career.  

Union has received many messages from individuals who want to offer financial support.  We encourage those who want to donate to do so through Union College’s Students of Appalachia Assistance Fund.  This fund serves low-income students from the Appalachian region who need financial assistance for tuition, books, fees, or items such as clothing, personal care products, and more.  Shawn, and students with similar needs, will have access to this fund while at Union through the Office of Financial Aid. Donors who want to designate Shawn as the beneficiary, or who want to give to the fund in Shawn’s honor, can do so using an online or printable form.

Others wish to send care packages, words of encouragement, or to contact Shawn directly. While federal privacy guidelines prevent us from sharing Shawn’s contact information, we will happily pass along messages and items that we receive on his behalf.  E-mail messages may be sent to advancement@unionky.edu.

Items and other mail can be sent to:

Shawn Grim,
c/o Debbie D’Anna, Dean of Students
Union College
310 College St., Box D-23
Barbourville, KY, 40906  

Several have also written with questions about the support structure in place for Shawn. Union has a 130-year history of service to regional students and has developed a number of programs specifically for those with low-incomes and who are the first in their families to attend college. These include:

• Student Support Services
• Peer Mentoring
• Supplemental Instruction  
• Academic Resource Center
• Career Planning and Placement

• Academic Advising
• First-Year Experience
• Writing Center

In addition to formal programs, every student benefits from close faculty-student relationships, alumni mentoring, and staff support.  Union is an intentionally small college community of 760 undergraduates.  Our size allows us the luxury of offering personal attention and guidance to each student.

It is our hope that, after a whirlwind experience that has been distracting at best, Shawn can now settle into his studies and give them his full attention. We thank you for your willingness to help him do that through kind words, financial support, and offers to send needed items. Your messages will be conveyed to Shawn.

Those with questions about Union College or supporting low-income students from the Appalachian region may call the Office of Advancement at 606-546-1619 or e-mail advancement@unionky.edu.