UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State will celebrate its ninth GivingTuesday on Tuesday, Nov. 28 — and donors can help grow the pride by giving students access to the power of the Penn State alumni network. A gift of any size can make a big difference in the experience of a current Penn State student.
Each gift of $15 will provide a student with one full year of membership to the Blue & White Society, the student arm of the Penn State Alumni Association. Preference will be given to first-year and underrepresented students at all Penn State campuses across the commonwealth.
Blue & White Society membership gives students access to leadership opportunities, special events, exclusive networking tools, and exposure to the scope and power of Penn State’s alumni network.
Although GivingTuesday won’t come until Nov. 28, the Penn State Alumni Association is accepting gifts now through GivingTuesday. Gifts can be made here. This early fundraising period is critical to the association’s overall fundraising mission.
Blue & White Society President Katie Balay has seen firsthand how tangible an impact the organization can have on students at Penn State.
“Gifts from GivingTuesday afford students from historically under-resourced communities the opportunity to become a Blue & White Society member and access the many benefits we provide as the student membership of the Penn State Alumni Association,” Balay said. “Not only do they gain access to the tangible benefits, but they also become a part of the BWS community. Being a part of this community provides a space for growth and support during their time at college and connections to alumni, who offer valuable career advice, support, and encouragement.”
Blue & White Society Director of Philanthropy Lindsay Edelman explained how the organization has benefited her during her time at Penn State.
“The Blue & White Society has provided me with lifelong friendships, leadership growth, professional development experience, and a deeper connection to the University itself,” Edelman said. “The Alumni Association lives up to its great reputation, as I have been welcomed with open arms and have found my place in this organization. I am grateful for all the opportunities to collaborate with peers on giving back to our community as the director of philanthropy this year."
The Blue & White Society’s mission is to enhance student life at Penn State through diversified experiences, with an emphasis on service to the community, civil leadership, tradition and outreach while establishing the foundation of a lifelong commitment to the University as members of the Penn State Alumni Association. Led by students, its membership spans the commonwealth and helps to build the relationships between students, faculty, staff and alumni.
“Being involved in BWS has made my time at Penn State so special and fulfilling; I have gained cherished friends, invaluable leadership skills, and memorable experiences,” Balay said. “As a whole, GivingTuesday support gives Penn State students the opportunity to connect with the Penn State community on a deeper level and have a more enriched undergraduate experience!”
Established in 1870, the Penn State Alumni Association serves more than 174,000 members and 750,000 alumni worldwide. Its mission is to connect alumni to the University and to each other; provide valued services to members; and support the University’s mission of teaching, research and service. For more information, visit alumni.psu.edu.
Gifts made on GivingTuesday advance the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students to join the Penn State family and prepare for lifelong success; driving research, outreach and economic development that grow our shared strength and readiness for the future; and increasing the University’s impact for families, patients and communities across the commonwealth and around the world. Learn more by visiting raise.psu.edu.