College campaign promotes organ donor registration

Raising awareness and encouraging campus community members to register as organ donors is at the heart of the “Gift of Life College Challenge,” a project being pursued on the Penn College campus through April 28.

Penn College nursing students, Wellness Committee and other partners kicked off the initiative on Feb. 14 by distributing small bags of Hershey’s Kisses and organ donor information. Penn College has joined 11 other colleges and universities in Pennsylvania and New Jersey in the 2025 Gift of Life College Challenge, part of the Gift of Life Donor Program . The college challenge coincides with Gift of Life’s 50 years of service and its campaign to register 50,000 more organ donors.

Leading up to a Wednesday, April 23, main event at Penn College will be a variety of activities, including a Donate Life-themed bingo, donor dash, blue-and-green theme day, speakers and other activities. Pop-up tables on campus will also encourage organ donation registration. The April 23 event will feature activities in Penn’s Inn and on the Bush Campus Center patio. April is National Donate Life Month.

“I was very interested in pursuing this project with the Wellness Committee and the Bachelor of Science in nursing community health students,” explained Terri A. Stone, assistant professor of nursing. “I became more interested in registering us for the campaign challenge, as many on the Wellness Committee shared stories of people close to them personally impacted by the need for organ donation awareness and registration. Personal stories of those awaiting transplant and the heroes that give the gift of life is inspiring this very important service-learning opportunity. We look forward to the campus community embracing this important campaign.”

Also joining the effort are Carmen Terry, health & wellness coordinator for the Lycoming County Insurance Consortium (serving employees of Penn College and the county’s eight school districts); Penn College offices of Student Engagement, Health Services, and People and Culture; and the college’s Student Nurses Association.

“We are hoping to make others more aware of the need for organ donation and the impact on those in need,” said Tami J. Delinski, director of total rewards and a member of the Wellness Committee. “What we hope to accomplish as a committee is to enhance the awareness of organ donation and enlist more to sign up as organ donors and possibly be tested to help save someone’s life.”

Penn College’s Wellness Committee consists of employees from various campus departments and the LCIC health & wellness coordinator. “Our mission is to promote wellness initiatives and provide information to employees that will equip them with knowledge to choose healthier options,” Delinski explained. “We review various topics and happenings and try to incorporate activities for the employees of Penn College that promote better health and wellbeing.”