By Mark Rudloff, Penn State
UNIVERSITY PARK – On Nov. 15, Penn State will celebrate its second annual Penn State Day of Philanthropy to raise awareness of private giving’s impact on the University and its students. Through a range of activities and events on the University Park campus and other Penn State campuses, volunteers and staff members will honor past gifts and seek further support from alumni and friends.
On Penn State Day of Philanthropy, student organizations who have a philanthropic mission or who benefit from private donations will have displays set up at the Hetzel Union Building, the Information Sciences and Technology Building, and across the University Park campus. Representatives from the student groups will be available at these events to explain how philanthropy has benefited their particular organization and to raise awareness about the philanthropic efforts and commitments of Penn State students. Day of Philanthropy student and donor-centered activities will also take place at Penn State Harrisburg, Penn State Mont Alto and other campuses.
“Whether they realize it or not, philanthropy touches every student’s Penn State experience,” said Leslie Dalton, a senior political science major, who is helping to organize Penn State Day of Philanthropy campus activities. “Penn State Day of Philanthropy is an opportunity to inform students and alumni about the importance of private philanthropy and provide them with a chance to get involved and give back. It’s a special event, and we are excited to have more student organizations participating this year.”
Penn State Day of Philanthropy coincides with National Philanthropy Day, an annual event to acknowledge the role nonprofit and charity organizations play in the lives of individuals and communities. “National Philanthropy Day is a day intended to encourage individuals to support organizations that have a positive influence on their lives or communities,” said Rodney P. Kirsch, senior vice president for development and alumni relations. “So on Nov. 15, we ask Penn State alumni and friends to think about how the University has influenced their lives and to make a gift to ensure those same opportunities are available for future generations.”
All gifts made on Penn State Day of Philanthropy will benefit For the Future: The Campaign for Penn State Students, which is directed toward a shared vision of Penn State as the most comprehensive, student-centered research university in America. The campaign’s top priority is keeping a Penn State degree affordable for students and families. The For the Future campaign is the most ambitious effort of its kind in Penn State’s history, with the goal of securing $2 billion by 2014.
Individuals who are interested in Penn State Day of Philanthropy and would like to learn more can visit the event’s website at www.NOV15.psu.edu. “Most students and alumni don’t realize what a huge impact philanthropy makes on the quality of a Penn State education,” Dalton said. “On Nov. 15, we’re looking forward to not only encouraging people to make gifts and support our University, but also thanking donors for their generosity and celebrating the significance of past philanthropy.”