Office of Community Relations launches Lee University Essentials
Photo by Annie Youther.
Lee University Essentials is a collection of online resources for Lee students and the community in collaboration with businesses in the Cleveland area. The website serves to boost Cleveland’s economy and to familiarize students with their community.
With the cancellation of the annual community showcase, Essentials was established in July 2020 to provide student discounts, local church connections and housing resources — all on one website.
“We hope that LeeU Essentials can be a one-stop-shop for everything in Cleveland,” said Director of Community Relations Bethany McCoy. “Other colleges have a similar website of resources like the University of Florida’s ‘gator perks.’ We wanted something similar for the Lee family.”
Utilizing her networking skills, junior public relations major Angelia Bennett has been working toward the development of Essentials. A community relations intern, Bennett communicates with businesses around Cleveland and manages Essential’s social media.
“I am very passionate about people and small businesses,” Bennett said. “Especially in Cleveland, there are a large number of quirky, useful, fascinating and fun small businesses that are often overlooked by the Lee community solely because people don’t know about them and what they offer.”
Now partnered with 41 businesses in Cleveland, Essentials is consistently expanding to provide more resources for students and cultivate connections within Cleveland.
Junior public relations major Carlie Russell has seen how community directly impacts new students through her role as a peer leader this semester. Russell is passionate about seeing new and former students engage in the community.
“It is a student’s responsibility to be a part of their community and learn how to thrive,” Russell explained. “I believe this is a great resource and tool to give to students and family. I’m glad that Lee is taking the steps to help students be involved in their communities, and that it is all on one site.”
Interested local businesses can collaborate with Essentials and become a vendor for a $25 fee. More information, discounts and partner business information can be found on the Essentials website.
