Colleges Against Cancer: The Fight Goes Poolside!

There is nothing cooler than college students with a cause!

It was one year ago that a group of Central Penn College students joined together to form Colleges Against Cancer, a nationally recognized club designed to further the mission of the American Cancer Society (I serve as club advisor along with Lindsay Knapp).

A number of students had lost parents, grandparents, and other loved ones to cancer - and they wanted to do something to fight back. They began to envision a fun poolside event designed to increase cancer awareness and raise funds for the cause. They called it LUAU 2014.

In anticipation of LUAU 2014, the club had to work through a long "to do" list: They held weekly meetings, developed a budget, organized fundraisers, created fliers, reserved equipment, ordered food, found a DJ (Thanks Zach!), solicited donations, and more. And they did it all while balancing schoolwork, internships, jobs, and family.

Ashley and Brittany at the mic

This past weekend, their vision of LUAU 2014 became reality. And it's events like this one that remind me of why I love working in higher education - because I get to watch students learn and grow as new leaders (it's truly awesome to see!).

President Brittany was terrified to speak in front of crowds, yet she took the mic for her welcome address! This was also had her first experience serving as a club officer (she did GREAT!).

Wobble, baby, wobble...

Treasurer Austin kept our accounts in order and developed our event budget. He was also our GRILL MASTER at the luau!

Zach mixed some awesome beats for us as DJ (he even threw in a few Miley Cyrus songs for me)! PS: to Bachelle - You still need to teach me the Jersey Shuffle!!

The Luminaria Ceremony

And Vice President Ashley created a beautiful Luminaria Ceremony to honor and remember those affected by cancer. It was so moving to see those bags glowing as each name was read.

Yep, THEY ROCK! Congratulations to all the members of Colleges Against Cancer! Can't wait to see what you accomplish next!

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” ― Helen Keller

“Teamwork makes the dream work” ― Bang Gae