A student organization at IUP has been honored with the first ever “philanthropy cup” for their work in raising money for the university’s Student Assistance Fund.
The South Asian Student Association took the top honors among six groups that were taking part. Others included the IUP Ambassadors student-alumni association, Phi Sigma Kappa, the Residence Hall association, the Student Giving Committee and Women in STEAM. The groups raised a collective $447 for the student assistance fund.
For the Philanthropy Cup, groups not only had to raise money with donations by fellow students, but they also received points for social media activity and member participation. The South Asian Student association not only won the Philanthropy Cup but took first in most money raised with $150. IUP Ambassadors were second in the cup standings while third in money raised, and Phi Sigma Kappa took third in the cup race second in money raised. They also took first in the Spirit of Giving award for having the most donors.
On top of the student efforts, IUP Alumni Colonel Stephen Abel and Dr. Thomas Baker donated $10,000 to the university. $5000 of which will go to the initiative and the rest will go directly to the student assistance fund.
The student assistance fund provides critical support for students experiencing financial hardship by lifting financial holds on IUP accounts, purchasing textbooks or groceries, and addressing other urgent needs.
