UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The third annual 'One Big Week' fundraising event concluded on Oct. 22, and for the third year in a row, Penn Staters led the conference in their show of support for students. Making contributions from nearly every state across the country, alumni, friends, fans and families made more than 1,400 gifts and gave over $100,000 to support Penn State food pantries and student emergency funds across the commonwealth.
“One Big Week started as a way for schools in a competitive conference to show their shared investment in students,” said Jenny Daigle Benoit, executive director of annual giving at Penn State. “Today, these results show Penn Staters that they have a family cheering for them year-round. Every gift made last week will reach a student when they need help the most.”
From Sunday, Oct. 15, through Sunday, Oct. 22, Big Ten university communities collectively gave over $240,000 from more than 2,400 gifts — with nearly half of the total dollars raised and more than half of the total gifts made representing the investments of Penn Staters. In a final quarter competition, Penn State also dominated Ohio State in a head-to-head competition to see which school could bring in the highest number of gifts for their student-athletes, taking the title with a total of 327 gifts made over three days to the Levi Lamb Fund.
“Penn Staters know how to get loud on game day, and they know how to show up for students when they need someone to lean on,” said Interim Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations David J. Lieb. “Events like One Big Week make it clear that ‘We Are’ is a promise that as a Penn Stater, you will always be a part of a community that believes in you.”
Penn State students who are looking for support, including the resources provided through One Big Week, can start by visiting the Student Affairs website or visit any campus food pantry, many of which are operated by peers in volunteer leadership positions.
Student Government Association President at Penn State Harrisburg Fabian Vantassell reflected on why this work matters.
“The only hunger that a Penn State student should ever have to experience is the hunger for success,” he said.
Contributions made during One Big Week 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.