York College students facing unexpected financial hardships now have a new resource to turn to: the Timothy Kerner ’87 Student Emergency Fund. The fund, made possible through a generous endowed gift from longtime donor and Distinguished Alumni Service Award recipient Timothy P. Kerner ’87, will help students stay focused on their studies when unforeseen challenges arise.
The fund is designed to support students experiencing emergency circumstances, such as unexpected travel for family illness or loss, medical expenses, or essential needs like food, clothing, and books. Eligible students may receive up to $250 per academic year, with awards determined on a case-by-case basis according to individual need. Students can apply through the Office of Student Life and Success, which will coordinate with Financial Aid to ensure timely assistance.
For Kerner, the fund is deeply personal.
“My inspiration came from my own financial challenges while attending York College,” Kerner said. “I often struggled to pay for unplanned expenses while keeping up with classes and ROTC commitments. Those challenges were distracting and stressful. I didn’t want today’s students to have to make the same difficult choices or risk their education because of an unexpected bill.”
Kerner, president of Millennium Group and a former U.S. Army National Guard officer, says the fund reflects his belief in the power of persistence and support.
“I know many students have unforeseen expenses and struggle to figure out how to navigate them,” he said. “This fund will give them access to help before it becomes a crisis, allowing them to stay focused on learning and their goals.”
Vice President of Student Life and Success Robbie Bacon said the College is profoundly grateful for Kerner’s generosity and vision.
“Tim’s commitment to York College is extraordinary,” Bacon said. “He not only gives back financially, but also with his time, mentorship, and leadership. This fund will have a lasting impact on our students—especially those who might otherwise have nowhere to turn. It’s a safety net that will help keep students enrolled and engaged when life throws them a curveball.”
Dr. Glenn Miller, Vice President of Advancement at York College, said Kerner’s gift exemplifies the spirit of alumni giving back to uplift the next generations of Spartans.
“His generosity reflects a deep understanding of what it means to invest in students when they need it most,” Miller said. “By providing a lifeline during unexpected hardships, Tim is helping ensure that students can stay on track toward their goals and achieve lasting success beyond York College.”
Bacon added that the fund is a testament to how one person’s experience can spark meaningful, lasting change.
“Tim took something that was once a challenge for him and turned it into a source of hope for others,” Bacon said. “That’s what Spartan pride and community are all about.”
Kerner, who was named one of the 2025 Spartans of the Year and received the Distinguished Alumni Service Award for his outstanding contributions to York College and his community, said his connection to YCP has only strengthened over time.
“York College was where I found my direction and purpose,” he said. “It’s where I learned to make tough decisions, developed lifelong friendships, and gained the confidence that’s guided me throughout my life and career. This fund is one small way to give back to the place that gave me so much.”
With the fund now in place, Kerner’s generosity ensures that when life’s unexpected moments arise, York College students will have the support they need to move forward with confidence and finish what they started.
The Office of Advancement continues to take donations for the Tim Kerner '87 Emergency Fund.
