When Fitchburg State University President Donna Hodge and Rollstone Bank & Trust Chief Operating Officer Mary Beth Jokela met to discuss possible collaborations between their institutions, the conversation turned to the university’s growing international student population.
Just this fall, Fitchburg State welcomed more than 70 new international students from 32 countries. Many of the students arrive on campus without some of the personal necessities that they will need as they embark on their experiences in the U.S.
Jokela saw an opportunity for her community to welcome these international guests, and the “kindness kit” initiative was born. Rollstone Bank & Trust customers and employees donated items from personal care products to snack foods, and nearly 30 baskets were recently delivered to the university’s Office of international Education.
“Rollstone Bank & Trust is committed to the community, including the students at Fitchburg State,” said Jokela. “When we learned about the obstacles that Fitchburg State’s international students have to go through, we decided we wanted to do something to make their transition a little easier. We’re grateful to our team and customers for supporting the program.”
“The ‘Kindness Kit’ initiative was a natural fit for our Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) committee,” said Rollstone Senior VP of Human Resources and Chief Diversity Officer Amy Bonilla. “They spearheaded the collection efforts and helped assemble the baskets for the students.”
“This donation was a wonderful way to mark International Education Week,” President Hodge said. “I am so grateful for the generosity of Rollstone Bank & Trust’s staff and customers, and the warm welcome their kindness will offer our students from around the world."
View additional scenes from the delivery on the Burg Blog.