Sometimes, students run out of options when faced with an emergency. This was never more apparent than on and after April 3, 2016, when a devastating fire occurred at the Village of Pineford apartments in Middletown, a home to many of Penn State Harrisburg’s students. Immediately following the fire, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members asked how they could help students who lost everything.
These generous individuals and groups banded together and contributed to the Penn State Harrisburg Student Emergency Assistance Fund (SEAF), created to help students persevere through financial emergencies and continue their studies.
The Penn State Harrisburg students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends went above and beyond in their support. In just a few weeks, over $10,000 was raised to assist student victims of the fire. Students also organized their own fundraisers, including a Bingo night and sale of cultural items from the Chinese Student Association, and collected clothing, food and other items.
In addition to the funds raised for the fire relief, an additional $13,000 was raised through the second annual SEAF crowdfunding campaign. Through this campaign, students, faculty and staff connected with family and friends to communicate the importance of SEAF.
Thank you to everyone who generously gave to SEAF in support of our deserving students at a time when they needed it most. With your continued support, we will have the resources to ensure that no student has to put their dreams of a Penn State degree on hold because of a financial emergency.
For more information or to make a gift to SEAF, please contact the Development Office at 717-948-6316.
