PHILANTHROPY
PHILANTHROPY
The philanthropic work that Alpha Kappa Psi does, benefits both the Penn State Community and the greater State College Community. Our fraternity is regularly involved with various Penn State and local organizations. The philanthropic pillar is constantly expanding as new organizations are discovered through brother-led initiatives. Recently, our brothers have been working with the Strawberry Fields organization to provide quality community-based and residential services to children and adults with disabilities. We are also working with the NEILSTRONG Foundation 501(c)(3), who are committed to furthering, fueling and funding projects that Neil C. Patel was passionate about. Alpha Kappa Psi is also a supporter, participant, and advocate for Penn State's annual THON. Our THON efforts are year-round!
To learn more about the work our brothers do for Strawberry Fields, NEILSTRONG, or THON on the Penn State campus, please check out the pages linked below.
NEILSTRONG
Neil Patel was an AKPsi brother and member of the Zeta Theta Pledge class. Neil was an active student on campus. He was a member of NLCG, the Sapphire Leadership Academic Program, a Schreyer Honors Scholar, and a Finance Captain. But more than his involvement on campus, Neil was a friend that anyone would want to have. He was the type of person who would sit with you for hours helping you with your homework before thinking about his own. Tragically, on August 1, 2021, Neil passed away after a long hard battle against COVID-19. Following his passing, the Patels found a way to honor their son and his loving personality by starting the NEILSTRONG Foundation. Following its establishment, AKPSi has worked as a close partner with the foundation to honor Neil, support the Patel family, and carry on his legacy at Penn State. Each semester, AKPsi assists the foundation in hosting the NeilStrong Blood Drive, an event that encourages students and faculty to give blood, as Neil required many blood transfusions throughout his battle with COVID-19. Aside from the Blood Drive, AKPsi has also helped to set up the NeilStrong Changemaker’s Scholarship which honors a student who embodies what Neil lived for. AKPsi continues to support the family and frequently looks for more opportunities to tell Neil’s story through philanthropic causes.
THON
One day, we will dance in celebration.
Until then, we will dance for a cure.
Alpha Kappa Psi is proud to be heavily involved with Penn State's annual THON. THON is a student-led initiative that is committed to enhancing the lives of children and families impacted by childhood cancer. It is the largest student run philanthropy in the world, with year-long efforts leading to a 46-hour dance marathon For The Kids.
Alpha Kappa Psi is passionate to continue efforts supporting THON. Each year, our THON Chairs within the fraternity create and host unique events to bring us together For The Kids. We are very grateful to have an amazing Four Diamonds Families that we spend time with, the Rodriguezes. THON has given us the special opportunity to bond with these families, further inspiring us to continue to work for a cure!
FUNDRAISING
Each year, our Fraternity takes action by uniting with 16,500 student volunteers to raise funds and awareness in the fight against childhood cancer. Since 1977, THON has raised over $168 million for Four Diamonds at Penn State Children's Hospital. Our brothers work each semester by hosting various unique fundraising events! Brothers have initiatives to fundraise online as well. If you would like to donate to THON and support our efforts to support these amazing Four Diamonds families, please visit our Donor Drive Page. Last year, we raised over $72,000, and this year we hope to raise even more. If you would like to help us support this cause, please click the button to access our fundraising link. Thank you!
OUR FAMILIES
The Rodriguez Family
We love being able to spend time with our Four Diamonds family, the Rodriguezes whenever we get the chance. Through trips, local outings, campus visits, and virtual communication, our brothers are able to keep up with the Rodriguezes. The pairing of AKPsi with these amazing families has allowed us to help kids to be kids and the memories of all angels to live on. Our family has shown us what true compassion, courage, and love for one another looks like. We have been able to build a special community of hope alongside courage, wisdom, honesty, and strength. We are grateful for the bonds we have been able to form over the years, and look forward to continuing to support and The Rodriguezes!
The Sweitzer Family
This year, we were paired with the Sweitzer family, and we couldn’t be more excited! Logan, our THON child, is a three year old girl who is actively receiving treatment. She has one sibling named Gram who is 13 years old. Jen and Matt are Logan and Gram’s loving parents. THON 2024 will be our first THON with the Sweitzer’s and we cannot wait to see them and show them our AKPSi love!
STRAWBERRY FIELDS
Strawberry Fields is a local State College organization that originated from the dedication and love of a group of family members with children who had intellectual disabilities. Founded in 1972 in Yarnell, PA, Strawberry Fields emerged as an alternative to state-operated facilities, which historically isolated and segregated individuals with disabilities.
The organization is committed to providing programs and services designed to meet the needs and choices of those it serves. Their aim is to empower both individuals and families, enabling them to make decisions that lead to fulfilling lives. Alpha Kappa Psi partners with Strawberry Fields through professional workshops in which we help those with intellectual disabilities build resumes and cover letters that allow them to enter the workforce. In extending our hands and hearts to those at Strawberry Fields, we hope to do our part in building a more inclusive, compassionate, and empathetic world.
