UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State will celebrate its 11th GivingTuesday on Dec. 2 — and Student Affairs invites alumni, parents and friends to be part of the event by making a gift in support of three vital priorities: the Student Health and Wellness Fund, the Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center, and the Student Emergency Fund.
These funds help ensure that every Penn State student has access to the resources to thrive — physically, emotionally and financially. The Student Health and Wellness Fund expands access to mental and physical health services that allow students to stay balanced and engaged. The Sokolov-Miller Family Financial and Life Skills Center equips students with lifelong financial and life-management skills through personalized coaching and workshops. The Student Emergency Fund provides immediate assistance to students facing unexpected hardships, with the goal that no student’s education is interrupted by crisis.
Support for these areas is more important than ever as students continue to navigate balancing their well-being, finding a sense of belonging and, at times, overcoming unforeseen barriers to success. Dollars raised on GivingTuesday will directly strengthen wellness programming, enhance financial-literacy resources and provide emergency relief to students in need — allowing them to stay focused on their educations and futures.
True to Penn State GivingTuesday tradition, the celebration will kick off early on Monday, Dec. 1, at 18:55 (6:55 p.m. EST) — a nod to the year the University was founded. Those interested in contributing to Student Affairs before Dec. 2 can make an early gift on Penn State’s GivingTuesday event page.
“Student Affairs is at the heart of the Penn State experience,” said Andrea Dowhower, vice president for Student Affairs. “When donors support these funds, they’re not just contributing to programs — they’re investing in a community of care that empowers every student to learn, grow, and thrive.”
Gifts made on GivingTuesday advance the University’s historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students 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.
Penn State Student Affairs supports holistic student success through advocacy, education, engagement and care. With more than 30 programs and units, Student Affairs helps students thrive in and out of the classroom, discover community and belonging, build leadership skills and create lasting memories. All programs and events are open to all students, regardless of sex, gender, sexual orientation, race or other protected class. Student Affairs is committed to building a community of belonging for all. Learn more about Student Affairs programs at studentaffairs.psu.edu.