An unexpected job loss is one of the most stressful life events. That stress becomes exponentially worse when you have kids heading to college and your employment is uncertain.

Professors at MVNU earn very modest wages. Many choose to sacrifice material comforts and financial security in service of a higher calling. One benefit that helps to offset faculty’s modest wages is college tuition remission for their children. Because MVNU is part of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), faculty kids can receive tuition benefits at several of the participating CCCU schools. Unfortunately, loss of employment also means the loss of this essential educational financial assistance — a double whammy.

Dr. Eric and Professor Carrie Vail are experiencing unexpected job losses simultaneously, and right on the cusp of needing to utilize tuition benefits for their kids. Their eldest son, Dalan, is a high school senior who desires to attend Seattle Pacific University in the fall. He plans to double major in Exercise Science and Psychology, and to eventually attend graduate school for a degree in Sports Psychology. Dalan’s professional goal is to help athletes recover well (both physically and mentally) from injury. Eric and Carrie’s youngest son, Rowan, is a high school sophomore. He is currently undecided about his college plans. He is a talented musician who sings; plays percussion, piano, and trombone; and plays/sings for youth group praise teams. Rowan is also a small group leader.

Dr. Dora Hawthorne and her husband, Kevin, also have two sons. Their eldest son, Ian, is currently a freshman at a sister CCCU institution, utilizing the tuition remission benefit. He is majoring in International Relations and minoring in Philosophy. A writer and poet who is deeply interested in politics, Ian hopes to work for an NGO after graduation.  The Hawthornes’ youngest son Christopher starts college this fall.  A musician, mathematician, and competitive robot coder, he hopes to major in Engineering or Physics while continuing to play jazz piano and classical viola.  Christopher’s college choice is not yet fixed.  

In honor of their many years of faithful service to MVNU (Vails - 13 years, Hawthorne - 16 years), and with respect for the challenging financial situations they now find themselves in as they seek new employment and lose tuition assistance for their children, please consider donating generously to the Vail Hawthorne Educational Fund.

All donations received will be utilized for college related expenses (tuition, room and board, books, etc.) for Ian, Christopher, Dalan, and Rowan. Funds will be distributed according to need.