Stony Brook University’s chapter of Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED) National Health Pre-Professional Honors Society was recognized by Newman’s Own Foundation for its work with Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County in helping to grant the wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions. As part of the second annual Newman’s Own Foundation Campus Community Service Challenge, AED participated on behalf of Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County for a Newman’s Own Foundation grant. In a presentation during the America East Conference basketball championship in Hartford, Connecticut, Make-A-Wish was awarded $7,500.
“Effectively reaching out and helping the community is very rewarding . . . it’s something you can’t get from just going to class,” said AED President Joseph Caputo. “The Make A Wish Foundation has such a big impact on the community. We wanted to be a part of that. We’re so grateful to Newman’s Own Foundation, Stony Brook University, and the America East Conference for their support and recognition of the impact we try to have on our community.”
Following a competitive campus selection process involving multiple student groups who submitted applications, AED was selected to represent Stony Brook University in Newman’s Own Foundation Campus Community Service Challenge, and chose to partner with Make-A-Wish Foundation of Suffolk County. During the past few years, AED has helped support Make-A-Wish and the granting of three separate children’s wishes through various fundraising events involving multiple student groups on campus.
“These partnerships are powerful tools for improving civic engagement among our students and building the capacity of local and global communities,” said Urszula Zalewski, Senior Career and Volunteer Programs Coordinator for the Career Center, who works closely to advise and support AED with their Make-A-Wish partnership. “Through this work, students foster the value of community service, engage in social change, and serve as an example to others. Their work has been truly inspiring.”
“The work that this group does embodies the core values and spirit of community that make Stony Brook University so special,” said Assistant Dean of Students Jeffrey A. Barnett, who helped coordinate Stony Brook’s involvement in the Newman’s Own Foundation Campus Community Challenge. “We were just as impressed with the work and strength of the applications from the many other student groups that participated in the campus selection process. Our students work so hard to contribute to and care so deeply about the their local communities. Their efforts are making a difference in the lives of others and enriching their own lives and learning as well.”
“A priority of the Foundation is to encourage the practice of philanthropy among younger generations,” said Newman’s Own Foundation President Robert Forrester. “The caliber of this year’s grantees is quite extraordinary. Newman’s Own Foundation is proud to support the work of the Stony Brook Health Pre-Professional Honors Society, who is making a difference on campus and in the community, inspiring more students to give back through service.”
“When a child has an illness, it is the whole family that needs the support,” said Andrea Franco, Community Relations Coordinator for Make-A-Wish of Suffolk County. “I want to thank the folks at Newman’s Own Foundation for creating the opportunity to help serve children who are suffering from life threatening medical conditions in our area.”
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