Arkansas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired Librarian Maranda Cole, SAU Director of Housing J Courson, ASBVI Principal Sharon Berry, ASBVI Superintendent Jim Hill, SAU Assitant Director of Housing Michael Woods, and SAU President Dr. David Rankin pose with a check from the Fincher Hall Project.
MAGNOLIA — Students from Fincher Hall, Southern Arkansas University’s residence hall known for its mission of service, unveiled the total from months of service projects Tuesday. The funds were presented to the Arkansas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in the form of a check for $32,126.75.
Jim Hill, superintendent for the Little Rock school, Principal Sharon Berry and Librarian Miranda Cole openly reacted to the unexpected amount. The school will use the money to update its library.
“Fincher Hall is the learning and living hall, and I’m impressed with the living example they exhibited,” said Hill. “It shows a lot of heart and renews my faith in young people.” The library serves hundreds of children statewide from birth to 21.
According to Cole, the money will go a long way to bring the children’s library up to the 21st Century and will provide digital technology that will greatly expand the library’s collection of books not currently available in Braille format.
“Service is a big part of living here. It’s a living, learning and giving environment,” said SAU President Dr. David Rankin. “We are so proud of the students from Fincher Hall and everyone who supported them. It’s a win-win. The students win and whoever they help wins through their service.”
Josh Kee, president of the Magnolia Lion’s Club, also presented the school with a check for $2,000. “We’re honored to be a part of this opportunity. It’s directly correlated with [the Lion’s Club] mission to help the sight impaired.”
