Academics

Lehigh Valley’s first-ever Giving Tuesday campaign will support students

Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association pledges $2,500 challenge gift to help drive donations

Donations made during Giving Tuesday will go to the PSU-LV Scholarship fund in support of students who want to become Penn State Alumni and benefit from the power of a Penn State degree. Credit: Michelle Bixby / Penn State. Creative Commons

CENTER VALLEY, Pa. — Penn State Lehigh Valley is raising funds to support current and future students on Giving Tuesday. Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving fueled by social media and collaboration. It is celebrated on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving — Nov. 28 this year — and kicks off the charitable holiday season.

This year, the fundraising window begins at 18:55 (6:55 p.m.) on Monday, Nov. 27 — representing when Penn State was founded in 1855 — and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 28.

Donations made during this time frame through the PSU-LV Giving Tuesday website will go to the PSU-LV Scholarship fund in support of students who want to become Penn State alumni and benefit from the power of a Penn State degree.

“We want to ensure that a Penn State education is affordable and obtainable for students, and that Penn State Lehigh Valley serves as a key access point for students aspiring to earn a degree,” said Tina Q. Richardson, chancellor of Penn State Lehigh Valley. “There are so many academically talented Lehigh Valley students who are struggling to start and complete their degree due to financial challenges. There are more than 900 students currently enrolled at Penn State Lehigh Valley and approximately 60 percent receive financial aid or need scholarship dollars to complete their degree. We offer merit and need-based scholarships that support students.”

The Lehigh Valley Chapter of the Penn State Alumni Association has pledged a challenge gift of $2,500. Once Penn State alumni and friends raise $2,500 for Penn State Lehigh Valley on Giving Tuesday, the Lehigh Valley Chapter will contribute $2,500 to increase the amount raised to $5,000.

“We are grateful to the Lehigh Valley Chapter for helping to motivate others to donate in order to secure their challenge gift. We hope all Penn Staters, regardless of class year, step forward on Giving Tuesday,” said Diane McAloon, interim director of community and alumni outreach at Penn State Lehigh Valley. “The University is showing special appreciation for young alumni who give back by amplifying their donations. We need everyone’s help, especially our young alumni!”

For every "Gold Donor," a Penn State graduate of the last decade, who donates a minimum of $10 during Giving Tuesday, the University will contribute an additional $100 per donor.

Philanthropic support for Penn State students, faculty, research and programs has always been a part of the University’s foundation. With the continued partnership of alumni and friends, Penn State’s historic mission to serve the public good and create a better future for students, the Commonwealth, and the world can be fulfilled.

Show the world that Penn State Lehigh Valley has heart, and show students how much PSU alumni and friends believe in them.

Donors can contribute to Penn State Lehigh Valley on #GivingTuesday by visiting the PSU-LV Giving Tuesday website. Follow Penn State Lehigh Valley on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at PSULehighValley, for live updates on the #PSUGivingTue challenge.

Last Updated November 8, 2017

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