Donation generation

Seldom does a month go by without a high and mighty columnist in the Indiana Daily Student chastising the IU student community on the basis of apathy. I am guilty in this regard. Apathy on campus can be a serious problem, especially when it affects student voice. But IU student apathy is not as rampant as it might have been in the past. It is, after all, much easier (and much more controversial) to point out shortcomings than it is to praise accomplishments. Today the credit is due.\nWhile the IU student community may in fact be apathetic about local bureaucratic affairs, where it tends to succeed is through its focus on the lives of others, and ensuring basic human needs are met for all. The number of charitable contributions from students on the IU campus is exponential. In fact, our entire generation of college students is more inclined to giving assistance, according to Melissa S. Brown, associate director of research at the Center of Philanthropy at IU-Purdue University at Indianapolis in an IDS report.\nFor example, the greek community at IU is well equipped to host philanthropic events on campus. And so each year students at IU are given the opportunity to give to several local and national charities because sororities and fraternities work so hard to ensure that charitable events are fun and exciting for students. Zeta Tau Alpha’s annual Big Man on Campus competition raised $109,200 to aid the fight against breast cancer. This weekend Delta Upsilon fraternity and Alpha Chi Omega sorority hosted the annual Kiss Off, an event where the student who kisses a car the longest wins the keys. The benefits go to Boys and Girls Club and Middle Way House.\nOther students are taking action as well. IU Dance Marathon is an annual event that raises money for the Riley Hospital for Children. Freshman Jeremy Rosenthal, director of philanthropy for Foster Student Government, organized this weekends “Drive for Hoosier Hills” golf tournament, proceeds from which will benefit Hoosier Hills Food Bank. In February, the Lutheran Campus Ministry hosted a Campus Cornhole Championship to assist the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation.\nThe examples of charitable students across IU are many. But like so many other social benefits we observe during these four years, the potential that students who donate to charities and devote time to events will not do so once they become alumni is a legitimate fear. Without the environment that breeds benevolent practices, will people in our generation continue such generosity?\nWith this in mind, we must strive to take into account the sufferings and livelihood of those less fortunate. Many college degrees result in fat paychecks and a high lifestyle. I for one have no problem driving a cheap Honda Civic though I could afford a Mercedes-Benz if it means 100 people will eat a meal. Hopefully, those who are so dedicated to charity now will take the lessons they learned at IU and apply them to their practices once entering the work force.