K-State student leaders become philanthropists in the making
Every Friday morning, a group of K-Staters meets to change the lives of fellow students.
The gathering students are the Student Opportunity Awards committee, and they’re reviewing applications from K-Staters facing immediate financial needs.
“The most common requests we see are for medical bills and laptops,” said Abby Collins, the group’s VP of campaign allocation. “If we could, we would give awards to everyone.”
The awards go to students whose future at K-State is in jeopardy. Funds awarded are raised through the annual K-State Proud campaign, which is known for the sought-after T-shirts donors receive.
“Our donors are helping students graduate and maybe go on to cure a disease or be a leader in their industry,” said Paige Miranda (pictured), a member of the awards committee. “Every award — whether it’s for an expensive textbook or a medication — helps them stay in school.”
“It came full circle when my professor told me he received an award,” Collins said. “He is a parent and needed assistance to finish his Ph.D. You never know who might need help.”
But it’s not just the recipients who benefit from the awards.
“I can get in my own little world, trying to get through college,” said Caden Swanson, VP of external campaigns. “This program gives me more perspective on what other people are going through.”
They’ve seen the impact of the awards and want to pay it forward after they move on from K-State.
“Once I start making my ‘big girl money,’ I will always donate to K-State Proud,” Miranda said. “I want to give back because it helps me stay grounded and not take things for granted.
