News Harris-Stowe State University For Immediate Release Contact: Courtney McCall (314) 340-3391 mccallc@hssu.edu Harris-Stowe Student Receives Car from Generous Donor ST. LOUIS, MO (December 1, 2011) - Krystal Chandler, a Harris-Stowe State University sophomore, is the recipient of a 2000 Saturn LW2 after her application and essay were chosen by the donor Gwendolyn Downs. Downs contacted the university months ago with hopes of providing transportation to a well-deserving African-American female student who is a single mother. The car was donated in the name of Mrs. Downs' husband, Roger Downs, who attended Harris-Stowe in the early sixties. "This was something I'd wanted to do for about three years or so," said Downs. "After the celebration, I realized that the criteria I set for this donation was me. I was an African-American female single mother, taking public transportation to get my child to the sitter." After a rigorous application process that included soliciting applications, proof of financial stability, background checks and driving records, Chandler, who is majoring in biology and holds a 3.5 GPA, was chosen by a university committee that made recommendations to Mrs. Downs based on her own submitted criteria. "My husband always wanted to be an educator and was unable to do so," she explained. "We can't save everyone, but this is our way of at least helping one student." Mrs. Downs was especially moved by Chandler's words upon receiving the gift, in which she promised that once able, she would definitely pay it forward. "I was very happy that I was chosen to receive the donation from Mrs. Downs," said Chandler. "It has helped me in a lot of ways. I now have transportation to and from school. I can now take my daughter to her after-school activities. I was able to make sure we had everything we needed for Thanksgiving dinner and my daughter got a chance to visit relatives on both sides because we now have transportation." Mr. Downs, who was not aware of the presentation until it was revealed during his 70th birthday celebration on November 20, 2011 - the same day that it was given to Chandler - hopes to be able to keep this initiative going for students in the future. "I was very surprised, elated and excited," said Mr. Downs. "It was a wonderful opportunity to give back to my community and to allow a deserving young student to maneuver the hurdles of life and become more self-reliant. Hopefully we can continue this worthy program for other students who are trying to climb the ladder to success, making their hurdle even easier." In addition to the donation of the vehicle, Chandler received a special car gift package that included car insurance for six months, gas cards, a one-year AAA membership, oil change vouchers and general car maintenance items. Harris-Stowe State University, located in midtown St. Louis, is a four-year institution that offers 14 degree programs in the areas of Accounting, Business Administration, Biology, Criminal Justice, Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Health Care Management, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Information Sciences and Computer Technology, Mathematics, Middle School Education, Professional Interdisciplinary Studies, Secondary Education and Urban Affairs. Ranked by U.S. News as one of America's Best Colleges in the Midwest, the university, which has been in existence for more than 150 years, offers the most affordable bachelor's degree in the metropolitan area. ### Courtney Z. McCall Assistant Vice President Communications, Marketing, Alumni Affairs & Development Harris-Stowe State University Ofc: (314) 340-3391 I mobile: (314) 280-9964 I fax: (314) 340-3575 web: www.hssu.edu <http://www.hssu.edu/> **********************Harris-Stowe State University********************** This e-mail is confidential and sent only to specified recipient(s). However, all e-mail is subject to possible interception by third parties. *************Contact postmaster@hssu.edu to report problems**************