Kappa Delta Pi T-shirt Sales Provide Funds for Campus Cupboard

Beth Rutt, right, director of Campus Activities at the University of Central Missouri who also oversees the Campus Cupboard, accepts a $300 check from members of Kappa Delta Pi national honor society, from left, Julie Hentges, professor of education and KDP advisor; MacKenzie Quinn, secretary from Garden City; and Emma Boessen, president from St. Thomas. Libby Cochran, vice president from Eldon, also worked with the group, but is not shown.

WARRENSBURG, MO – Responding to a need in the University of Central Missouri community, members of Kappa Delta Pi education honor society recently provided a $300 donation to the Campus Cupboard to purchase food items for UCM students and employees who face financial hardships. The contribution to Campus Cupboard was part of the organization’s 2020 fall semester fundraising activities, and was combined with efforts to benefit the Freshman Mentors Program in the College of Education.

 

Funds were raised through the sale of red short-sleeve t-shirts with the words “UCM Strong” emblazoned in bold white letters on the front and “We Are All In This Together” on the back. These shirts were sold throughout the fall to students, faculty, staff and alumni. Julie Hentges, a professor of education who serves as KDP advisor, worked in cooperation with the organization’s leadership to conduct the fundraiser for two important causes.

 

“I believe everyone who participated in this did so because this fundraiser supports programs which impact the quality of campus life for so many people,” Hentges said, thanking campus and community members and alumni. “I truly appreciate everyone who participated. We would never have been able to deliver the check without phenomenal support across our campus community.”

 

Beth Rutt, director of Student Activities who also oversees the Campus Cupboard, accepted the check presentation from Hentges with KDP leaders Emma Boessen, president from St. Thomas, and MacKenzie Quinn, secretary from Garden City Missouri. Libby Cochran, vice president from Eldon, also worked with the group, but was unable to attend the presentation. Rutt said funds received from KDP will be used to purchase soup, which is among the most requested food items.

 

As part of its fundraising efforts, KDP worked with the College of Education to create UCM Strong Faculty and Staff Dress Down Day, which took place in October. It gave members of the college an opportunity to dress casually at work for one day, if they purchased one of the t-shirts.

 

Hentges said KDP plans to continue working this spring to raise more funds for Campus Cupboard and the Freshman Mentoring Program. This time, they will be selling long-sleeve shirts. Anyone who wants to purchase one is encouraged to do so by contacting her at hentges@ucmo.edu.

 

Kappa Delta Pi is an international honor society that was established in 1911 to foster excellence in education and promote fellowship among individuals who are dedicated to teaching. More than 1.2 million individuals belong to the organization. This includes students at UCM who provide opportunities such as mentoring and community service projects for its membership to help students succeed in their education and to grow as future teaching professionals.

 

The campus Cupboard was founded in 2013, and because of the ongoing pandemic, contributions of food and financial support are essential to meet the local need. Students or university employees who have a UCM ID can visit the Campus Cupboard 3:30 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. For more information, contact Rutt at 660-543-4381 or email brutt@ucmo.edu.