Greater Allegheny student-athletes to benefit from GivingTuesday gifts

MCKEESPORT, Pa. — Penn State will celebrate its 10th GivingTuesday on Tuesday, Dec 3 — and Penn State Greater Allegheny invites alumni and friends to participate in this anniversary milestone by making a gift to support the campus athletic program.

One third of the Penn State Greater Allegheny student body competes on one or more of the six intercollegiate sports teams: men's and women's basketball, baseball, softball, women's volleyball and men's soccer. All teams compete regionally in the Pennsylvania State University Athletic Conference (PSUAC) and nationally in the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) conference.

"Our student-athletes compete for the love of the game," said Jason Broadwater, athletic director. "They work tremendously hard to be the best competitor they can, and their efforts and success unite our campus community."

The students are equally competitive and successful in the classroom. Through a strong partnership with the John H. Gruskin Learning Center, student-athletes work with faculty during office hours or meet with learning assistants or tutors for enhanced support.

"Our campus places a priority on supporting our students' academic goals," said Siobhan Brooks, Learning Center director. "My staff and I work closely with the athletic department, our coaches and our faculty athletic representative to ensure our student-athletes are able to balance their academic, athletic and personal priorities and make progress toward their degree."

Last week, the USCAA recognized four women's volleyball players at the end of their season for their exceptional academic record. Lillian Barker, Olivia Huber, Avrey Parkins and Skyler Shoben were named to the USCAA All-Academic Team, recognizing student-athletes with 24 or more credits with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5 or greater.

Penn State Greater Allegheny Athletics established a $5,000 goal for this year's GivingTuesday campaign. Funds raised will support regional and national travel, training equipment and facilities upgrades.

Broadwater expressed his hope for a successful campaign. "When our athletes succeed, everyone on campus experiences the sense of pride and spirit that comes with winning," he said. "GivingTuesday gives us the opportunity to ensure our student-athletes have the best so they can be the best."   

True to Penn State GivingTuesday tradition, the celebration is kicking off early on Monday, Dec. 2, at 18:55 (6:55 p.m. EST) — a nod to the year in which the University was founded. Those interested in contributing to Penn State Greater Allegheny Athletics or establishing a personal fundraising page as a campaign advocate can learn more here.

Gifts during GivingTuesday advance the University's historic land-grant mission to serve and lead. Through philanthropy, alumni and friends are helping students to 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.