Faculty-Led Fundraising Campaign Results in Essential Medical Equipment for Lock Haven Athletic Training Students
LOCK HAVEN, PA (12/13/2023) — Athletic training faculty at Commonwealth University-Lock Haven, led by Dr. Jody Russell, mobilized a successful fundraising campaign to address financial challenges faced by athletic training graduate students, ensuring their access to medical equipment and uniforms needed for the academic year.
The campaign, named the Porter Student Success Fund in honor of Mike Porter - a 1991 graduate of Lock Haven's athletic training program who now serves as the program's longest-tenured faculty member - aimed to raise $3,000 to provide medical equipment and first-aid kits to AT graduate students.
The overwhelming response saw the campaign raise $4,800 over two weeks, thanks predominantly to the contributions of athletic training alumni.
The campaign's outcome was a collective effort involving not only Russell, but other athletic training faculty, including Dr. Steve Streator, and program alumni, Dr. Porter '91, Dr. Yvette Ingram '92, and Dr. Eric Lippincott '95.
"Our athletic training faculty are a family, so I know that everyone played a part in this fundraising effort," Russell said. "Whether it was in the brainstorming ideas, spreading news of the fundraising campaign by word of mouth, or by donating to the fund, we all played a significant role."
With the funds raised, first-year graduate students were provided essential supplies, including required polo shirts, T-shirts and medical bags stocked with equipment like blood pressure cuffs, stethoscopes and goniometers from more than 60 donors.
"We had alumni who graduated last year donate, and we had alumni donate who graduated over 40 years ago," Russell said. "This shows the rich tradition that lives within our program and how it carries on throughout time."
Along with the Porter Student Success Fund, Russell said there are scholarships available aimed at assisting students in the program, including the endowed Dave Tomasi Scholarship and the Athletic Training Alumni Scholarship.
"The fact that we saw an increase of five graduate students this year is extremely telling that the growth of our program will continue," Russell said. "I would love to see these funds continue to grow each year to help equip students with the tools they need to succeed."
When receiving their supplies, "the smiles on students' faces spoke volumes," she added. "It opened their eyes to the family that exists within our program. I know that they will be one of the first to give back when they are able to. Giving back has always been a key part of our program's culture."
Media Attachments
Shown are athletic training students who received kits through the fundraising campaign.
Shown are athletic training students who received kits through the fundraising campaign.