Columbia’s Actuarial Science M.S. community is stepping outside of its field to help medical professionals at the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Actuarial Science students, alumni, faculty, and staff members are donating funds toward the purchase and delivery of N95 masks for medical professionals – and they’re enlisting others to do the same. The campaign follows a previous round of student and alumni donations that led to the delivery of 700 masks to hospitals in New York City and 750+ to mutual aid groups and other individuals.
Ryan Liang, founder of the actuarial certification exam preparation company ActuaryFellow, is partnering with Lina Xu, Ph.D., for support through the student body. Through his company, Liang is pledging to match each dollar of the first $2,000 donated. So far, the campaign is a third of the way to the goal. Donors may purchase their own masks at a discounted price, thanks to an Actuarial Science alumnus’s connection at the supplier, SupremePPE.
The Master of Science in Actuarial Science program enrolls a large Chinese student population, most of whom are now completing their studies from home. In an effort to show support for students from afar, Dr. Xu initiated daily check-ins in March, asking students to score their wellness on a scale of 1 to 10. The department also holds open hours every day from 7 am to 3 pm ET, including weekends, to continue connecting with students.
To donate, visit the “Masks For Medical Heroes” campaign on GoFundMe.com. Learn more about Columbia University’s Master of Science in Actuarial Science.
