Pennsylvania College of Technology's student development assistants are inspiring their peers to thank the donors who make it possible for them all to earn degrees that work.
During February, they hosted a Thank a Donor Day activity in which they encouraged students to sign an oversized “Thank you” card in appreciation of all who give their time, expertise, money, equipment, grants and more to Penn College. The development assistants used the opportunity to talk with other students about who donors are, what they provide and the benefit of those gifts.
“It was great to see all the positive reactions from students who signed our giant 'Thank you' card," said Kasandra L. Smoyer, a nursing major from Spring Mills. "The love for their majors was so evident and many understood the impact that donors have here on campus. However, there are still a lot of students that just don’t realize how much Penn College donors do for us. It was a nice opportunity to help them understand.”
“As a student leader, I have had the benefit of learning all about the support of alumni, employees, industry partners and friends of the college," added Lauren J. Crouse, of Turbotville, an applied human services student. "Helping students connect the pieces of support here on campus is very rewarding. Thank a Donor Day gave us the opportunity to do just that.”
In coordination with Student Engagement & Philanthropy Month, students delivered birthday greetings to Penn College employee donors who had birthdays during February. Cumulatively, Penn College employees have given more than $2 million in support of Penn College students. To show their thanks and appreciation of this group, the students delivered a “We ♥ Penn College Donors” birthday card attached to a balloon.
“Walking down the hallway with card and balloon in hand, knowing that you are about to surprise someone on their birthday, was an amazing feeling!" Smoyer said. "The reaction was priceless and all were grateful that we took time out of our day to acknowledge their contributions on our behalf.”
“Having the opportunity to thank our employees that have given back to the college, as well as wish them a happy birthday, has been such a rewarding experience," added Ryan Monteleone, of Stevens, enrolled in information assistance and cyber security. "I have had so many remarkable conversations with our donors and I am so grateful for all that they do for students like me!”
The gratitude continues during the Spring Phonathon. These same students are calling alumni to thank them for their past support, provide updates on the latest program or campus news, and ask for renewed contributions. The phonathon gives students insight into the impact that donor generosity has for students like them; an experience they will continue to share among their peers to increase the understanding of the importance and impact of philanthropy at Penn College.
During February, they hosted a Thank a Donor Day activity in which they encouraged students to sign an oversized “Thank you” card in appreciation of all who give their time, expertise, money, equipment, grants and more to Penn College. The development assistants used the opportunity to talk with other students about who donors are, what they provide and the benefit of those gifts.
“It was great to see all the positive reactions from students who signed our giant 'Thank you' card," said Kasandra L. Smoyer, a nursing major from Spring Mills. "The love for their majors was so evident and many understood the impact that donors have here on campus. However, there are still a lot of students that just don’t realize how much Penn College donors do for us. It was a nice opportunity to help them understand.”
“As a student leader, I have had the benefit of learning all about the support of alumni, employees, industry partners and friends of the college," added Lauren J. Crouse, of Turbotville, an applied human services student. "Helping students connect the pieces of support here on campus is very rewarding. Thank a Donor Day gave us the opportunity to do just that.”In coordination with Student Engagement & Philanthropy Month, students delivered birthday greetings to Penn College employee donors who had birthdays during February. Cumulatively, Penn College employees have given more than $2 million in support of Penn College students. To show their thanks and appreciation of this group, the students delivered a “We ♥ Penn College Donors” birthday card attached to a balloon.
“Walking down the hallway with card and balloon in hand, knowing that you are about to surprise someone on their birthday, was an amazing feeling!" Smoyer said. "The reaction was priceless and all were grateful that we took time out of our day to acknowledge their contributions on our behalf.”
“Having the opportunity to thank our employees that have given back to the college, as well as wish them a happy birthday, has been such a rewarding experience," added Ryan Monteleone, of Stevens, enrolled in information assistance and cyber security. "I have had so many remarkable conversations with our donors and I am so grateful for all that they do for students like me!”The gratitude continues during the Spring Phonathon. These same students are calling alumni to thank them for their past support, provide updates on the latest program or campus news, and ask for renewed contributions. The phonathon gives students insight into the impact that donor generosity has for students like them; an experience they will continue to share among their peers to increase the understanding of the importance and impact of philanthropy at Penn College.
Photos by Becky J. Shaner, manager of student/alumni engagement and special events,
and Tia G. La, student photographer