Administration

Penn State to celebrate Day of Philanthropy on Nov. 15

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — On Nov. 15, Penn State will celebrate its third annual Penn State Day of Philanthropy, intended to raise awareness of private giving’s impact on the University and its students. This is the first year that the event has been organized by the Student Philanthropy Council, an undergraduate volunteer organization. Through a range of activities at University Park and other Penn State campuses, students, staff and volunteers will honor past gifts and seek further support from alumni and friends.

“The Penn State Day of Philanthropy gives students and alumni an opportunity to stay involved with their alma mater, Penn State students and the improvement of the Penn State community,” said Matthew Ferrara, president of the Student Philanthropy Council. “Each Penn Stater has an overwhelming amount of passion for this school, and supporting the University brings us together as a whole. No matter the size of the gift, we can all help make Penn State a better place.”

On the Penn State Day of Philanthropy, student organizations who have a philanthropic mission or who benefit from private gifts will have displays set up at the Hetzel Union Building. Representatives from the student groups will be available at these events to explain how philanthropy has benefited their particular organization and to educate the Penn State community about the philanthropic efforts and commitments of the University’s students.

At University Park, Penn State Day of Philanthropy activities will include a scavenger hunt for items around campus that have been funded by philanthropy. They will also include the Golden Lion Campaign, which encourages students to contribute spare change to support student scholarships. Additional Day of Philanthropy student- and donor-centered activities will take place at several colleges and campuses across the University.

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 the 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.

“Every day, students encounter acts of philanthropy — whether that’s through the buildings they sit in during class, the lab equipment they use or even the benches they relax on outside,” said Matt Ferrara. “The mission of the Student Philanthropy Council is to get students to realize the large and important role philanthropy plays in our lives as Penn State students.”

Individuals who are interested in the Penn State Day of Philanthropy and would like to learn more can visit the event’s website at www.NOV15.psu.edu. More information on the Student Philanthropy Council is available at www.spc.psu.edu.

Last Updated November 13, 2013

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