The FirstEnergy Foundation awarded a $5,000 grant to be used by Waynesburg University’s New Student Orientation (NSO) and Diversity & Belonging Team campus groups.
Funds designated to NSO were used to assist in the costs of the annual NSO service projects completed by incoming students during New Student Orientation in August.
“The FirstEnergy grant was helpful to fulfill the NSO service projects for our first-year students,” said Adrienne Tharp, director of the Center for Service Leadership and Bonner Scholars Program. “The funding helped provide transportation to the sites, t-shirts and materials for a number of the projects. Students were able to meet with various organizations in the community and discovered first-hand how service is a core part of the University’s mission.”
Students participated in several on and off-campus projects, which included making blankets to be donated to the Ronald McDonald House as part of Project Linus, crafting cat and dog toys for the Greene County Humane Society and sorting donations for the Salvation Army. Additionally, cases of water were purchased and supplied at each off-campus site.
The Diversity & Belonging Team is planning to use funds to host various programs and events on campus intended to provide open conversations about diversity to students, faculty and staff. In hosting these events, which include monthly luncheons, diversity discussions and networking opportunities, the team’s goal is to establish a community for students to feel heard and supported.
“Through our consistent programs and events, students will have the opportunity to access resources, seek support and develop a strong community,” said Isaiah Skeete, admissions counselor and Diversity & Belonging Team member. “The Diversity and Belonging Team is represented by several departments across campus such as Admissions, Athletics, Campus Ministry, Graduate and Professional Studies, Center for Service Leadership, Pathways Center, Department of Humanities and Residence Life. The cross-department representation on the team is essential to supporting the students’ needs.”
About FirstEnergy Foundation
The FirstEnergy Foundation is funded solely by FirstEnergy Corp. and provides support to non-profit, tax-exempt health and human services agencies; educational organizations; cultural and arts programs and institutions; and civic groups in areas served by FirstEnergy’s 10 electric operating companies and in areas where the company conducts business. Learn more at www.firstenergycorp.com/community.
About Waynesburg University
Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University’s Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, with an additional site for graduate and professional programs in Southpointe.
Additional Funding
Waynesburg University was also recently selected to receive a one-time grant from the FirstEnergy Foundation to benefit multiple programs within the sciences.
