The University of Alabama Student Government Association (SGA) recently awarded two separate checks to departments within the Division of Student Life after extensive support through fundraising efforts from the UA and Tuscaloosa communities.
The first was SGA’s partnership with Beat Auburn Beat Hunger (BABH) to educate the student body on food insecurity in college students and to connect food insecure students with Student Care and Wellbeing’s food pantry. The two organizations utilized several events to raise money for this initiative such as “Pie the Presidents” where students could pay for the opportunity to throw a pie at UA staff members as well as meal swipe donation drives and a fundraising competition between SGA members. Local businesses even helped by donating a percentage of sales from certain nights. Izzy Boyd, the Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, led these fundraisers and said, “SGA believes that this partnership with BABH is an embodiment of students serving students, and we are grateful for their support in advancing a more equitable campus community for our food-insecure students.” Overall, the community raised $4,395.27 to benefit food insecure students on campus. BABH president Kate Graziano extends her gratitude to SGA, saying “SGA went above and beyond in involving their members in fundraising, hosting events and advocating for the food insecure on our very own campus. Food insecurity is not an issue that can be solved by one person alone, so we thank SGA for joining us in beating Auburn and beating hunger!”
Additionally, SGA representatives presented a check of $7,295 to the office of Veteran and Military Affairs (VMA) for the Veterans Scholarship Fund. This scholarship helps student veterans meet a variety of needs throughout the school year such as textbook purchases, tuition and rental assistance, travel costs, and it even helped one student repair their automobile. The funds for this initiative were raised through an SGA 5k race and t-shirt sales. SGA Vice President of Student Affairs Luke Dille, who led this fundraising effort, is happy to give back to UA’s student veterans. “The SGA is proud to support those who have served their country and our community,” Luke said. Former recipients of this scholarship have also shared their gratitude towards SGA and the local community for the support. One student veteran said, “I was so fortunate to receive a VMA scholarship. . . the only reason why I am still here at this school, still determined and still motivated is because of this scholarship.”
SGA’s commitment to the entire student community shines through these philanthropic efforts.