After leading the largest student-run philanthropic organization in the world and contributing countless hours to raising funds and awareness to fight childhood cancer, it would be natural for a person to feel “philanthropied out,” and want to take a break from service opportunities. But for Andrew Smith,’18 BUS, and Kelly McCready,’19 HHD.
Penn State’s THON provided an introduction to philanthropy that laid the foundation for their continued volunteerism as young alumni.
Through his role as the executive director of THON 2018, Andrew was exposed to the University’s fundraising efforts and learned about the priorities of the most recent capital campaign, A Greater Penn State for 21st Century Excellence.
“Once my involvement with THON as a student was wrapping up, I knew I wanted to continue to have a tangible volunteer connection to the University,” he said. “The initiatives laid out in the capital campaign really resonated with issues I felt were very important, so I knew right away that I wanted to be involved.”
Andrew swiftly acted upon his desire to pursue his philanthropic passion and remain active in the Penn State community, joining the Volunteer Engagement Committee within a year of graduation. The mission of the University’s Volunteer Engagement Committee is to guide and support meaningful, consistent, and effective volunteer engagement across the Division of Development and Alumni Relations as well as University-wide.
Kelly followed a similar volunteer path, beginning with her role as the executive director of THON 2019.
“My volunteer opportunities as a student at Penn State shaped who I am personally and professionally,” Kelly said. “I will always feel a sense of responsibility to give back to the University that provided irreplaceable experiences that taught me so much about myself and the values of leadership.”
Immediately following graduation, Kelly embraced her wish to give back to Penn State by becoming a fundraising volunteer.
“I had the great opportunity to connect with the incredible staff within the Division of Development and Alumni Relations [as a student], and they became wonderful mentors as I navigated my next chapter after Penn State. Once I graduated, we stayed in touch about how I can continue to give back to the University as an alum,” she said.
Within a few months of graduation, Kelly joined the Women’s Philanthropic Advisory Board. She currently serves as the board’s alumni affiliate group liaison through her connection with Penn State Alumni Association’s Metro DC Chapter.
“I focus on how we can collaborate with Penn State Alumni Affiliate Groups toward our mission of engaging women in philanthropy,” Kelly said. “I continue to learn from alumni affiliate groups about the way they involve those who identify as female with their group and how the Division of Development & Alumni Relations can support this engagement.”
Both Andrew and Kelly feel personally impacted by their philanthropic journeys, both from their time as THON leaders and now as fundraising volunteers—what began as an undergraduate passion continues as a central piece of their lives as alumni.
“At Penn State, there continues to be endless innovation and openness to ideas about how we can improve the future.” -Andrew Smith
“Sitting on the Volunteer Engagement Committee has been very rewarding in seeing how the engagement initiatives and strategies have developed to encompass so many different viewpoints and perspectives,” Andrew said. “Penn State has given me so much, both as a student and now as an alum. The experiences I had as a student shaped who I am today, and I want to help give others that opportunity.
Kelly echoes that sentiment and has seen first-hand how a donation to Penn State is used to make a tangible difference.
“It is personal to me because I was once in the shoes of current students who need support today,” she said. “I also have seen the value of philanthropy through the eyes of a family who has received a cancer diagnosis. There are few things that are as remarkable as a family not receiving a single medical bill to solely focus on caring for their child. The investments in philanthropy we make today will continue to foster the next generation of society, education, and opportunity.”
As Andrew and Kelly look forward to the future of philanthropy at Penn State, they are hopeful for what is to come.
“I have seen my efforts pay off by continuing to see Penn State evolve to a more accessible, inclusive, and innovative institution,” Kelly said. “The Penn State community has endured so much, even just since I graduated. But we continue to be resilient and prove that nothing will stand in the way of Penn Staters.”
Andrew continued, “Penn State’s impact reaches far beyond State College and Pennsylvania. Philanthropy at Penn State really makes a difference in the world.”
Inspired by Andrew & Kelly’s service?
Give to Penn State THON.