Dec. 2011 Vol. 6, No. 4
IMPACT Inspiring Students to Pursue Lives of Purpose
Colleges Against Cancer named outstanding organization For the past four years, Waynesburg University students, faculty and staff members have joined together in the fight against cancer. Passionate leaders and the desire to make a difference has lifted a relatively new campus organization to new heights.
F
our years ago, a vision flooded the heart of the Waynesburg University campus community. The desire and
ability to combat cancer and ultimately make a difference in the lives of numerous individuals around the world was at the forefront of priorities in the Office of Student Activities. As a result of the deepseated passion, the campus community, led by Kelley Hardie, assistant director of Student Activities, has worked tirelessly to create a campus organization fit to conquer a mammoth beast. In 2007, Colleges Against Cancer (CAC) status was granted to Waynesburg University by the American Cancer Society after an application process sought by Hardie. The status allows Waynesburg to run a CAC student chapter as a campus organization devoted to raising money and awareness for the ACS. With the mission of education, advocacy, survivorship, and involvement in the American Cancer Society’s annual Relay for Life, Waynesburg’s CAC chapter has proven itself to be one of the largest and most valuable student organizations on campus. The hard work and dedication of university students, faculty and staff has not gone unnoticed. Recently, at the local celebration of American Cancer Society Volunteers, Waynesburg University was named the Outstanding Organization of
the Year for Greene County. The award was accepted by Hardie, appropriately Waynesburg University’s CAC faculty advisor. Margie Smith,
these students exhibit qualities of
Participation Award for her involvement
selflessness, compassion and generosity.
in Colleges Against Cancer.
They are truly inspiring,” Smith said. Kaitlyn Karan, CAC president, said the
Kaitlyn’s selection came as no surprise to those who know her passion for both
Senior Income Development
award has fueled the organization’s desire
CAC and ACS. Participating in Relay
Representative for the American Cancer
to continue to make a difference.
for Life since she was in the sixth grade,
Society, deemed Waynesburg University a “deserving recipient of the award.” “The support from the student body and
“Receiving this award shows that we
Kaitlyn’s 11-year involvement with
are succeeding in our mission and making
the organization speaks volumes of her
a difference not only on campus, but
commitment to its mission.
faculty and staff has helped tremendously
in Greene County,” she said. “It is the
Kaitlyn joined CAC as a freshman, and
in raising awareness of the mission of
passion of finding a cure for cancer that
has since served as the Mini-Relay for Life
the American Cancer Society in Greene
brings us together as an organization,
Co-Chair for two years and the president
County,” Smith said. “These students are
and to be awarded for our efforts is just a
of CAC for one year.
self-motivated, thoughtful, creative, and
bonus.”
dedicated to the mission of the American Cancer Society.” In addition to Waynesburg’s support of
Activities like Think Pink Week, Dig for the Cure and Kiss Away Cancer, among many others, have helped students
“I plan to continue with this organization long after graduation from Waynesburg University,” she said. Working alongside Kaitlyn, Shawn
ACS, Smith said the Waynesburg students
understand the importance of CAC’s
Wharrey and Jessica Malingowski,
involved with CAC give others, including
presence on campus and beyond. Events
Mini-Relay for Life co-chairs, have also
her, “a sense of comfort that there is hope
like the University’s annual Mini-Relay
been instrumental in the success of the
for a secure and prosperous future.”
for Life, an event that has consistently
relatively new campus organization.
“It is so refreshing to see our youth
raised more than $10,000 per year, have
“These individuals are very impressive
give so much of themselves for a cause
helped to contribute to the organization’s
leaders that have been instrumental
that helps so many others, most of whom
success.
in achieving the tremendous level of
they will never know. In a world where
In addition to the University’s
self-absorption and over indulgence is
award, Kaitlyn received a Certificate of
so prevalent among many young people,
Appreciation as well as the Outstanding
success that Waynesburg University has achieved,” Smith said.
Campus organizations support Project Bundle-Up’s mission
T
he warmth from a coat during
through fundraisers completed by many
cheesesteaks is a welcomed opportunity
the winter season is a gift taken
organizations supporting the Project
to benefit the local community.
for granted. When winter winds
Bundle-Up mission.
sweep across western Pennsylvania,
For three years, the junior Bonner
to raise $250. Natalie George, a junior English major
“It’s great to see the money we raise
and Student Senate president, is proud of
staying in the area and helping kids stay
the student response both in the planning
many residents are left to brave the
Scholars have held a cheesesteak
warm during the Christmas season,”
and execution of the event. George
cold defenseless. This fall, Waynesburg
fundraiser, open to students and the
Kephart said.
attributes their hard work to their belief
University students came together with
public. According to Sarah Brandstetter,
fervent passion to assist Project Bundle-
coordinator of Bonner Scholars, the
established fundraiser, Student Senate
Up in its efforts.
While the Bonners continued a well-
in the cause. “Students chose to support Project
students selected this organization
planned a new one. The Harvest Festival
Bundle-Up because, as the weather gets
For 25 years, the Salvation Army and
because of their passion to provide coats
was created for organizations to join
colder, we are each reminded of how
WTAE have worked together to provide
to those in need. This year’s cheesesteak
together for a good cause. Held this fall,
important it is to have a coat,” she said.
warm outerwear for disadvantaged
event raised nearly $600.
more than 20 organizations set up themed
“It’s a simple reminder of a local need,
booths complete with homemade snacks
and students saw that need and responded
and activities and combined their profits
to it.”
children and seniors. Approximately 7,500 individuals are helped each year
For Evan Kephart, a junior biblical and ministry studies major, making