In continuing a proud and charitable partnership with St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, numerous Kean students gathered on November 30 with ambition to help raise money for the noble, non-profit organization. While this annual event normally consists of Kean Greeks, this year the Center for Leadership and Service opened the collegiate fundraising program to all students. Though the majority in this sixth year of service was dominate in Greek participation, the efforts of all students stood out and helped shape a single unit from the 49 teams in attendance. Among some of the newcomers were student funded group, the International Student Association and members of the Bronze Leadership Program. Some groups seized the open invitation and encouraged other peers to come and support the cause. Riwanna Colwell, a junior early childhood education major, and Sharlette Saunders, a sophomore biology pre-physical therapy major, were just two of the benign belles in company with friends, the sisters of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc.; collectively, the ladies held one of the biggest groups at this year's program and carried the smiles to match.

The program is designed to encourage students to reach out to family and friends via a mailing letter that states St. Jude's mission and purpose in hopes that the response will produce a charitable donation. Over the past five years, Kean student's efforts have helped raise over $46,000 for the research hospital - an effort that has not gone unnoticed. This year's group produced over 2,900 letters, so the optimism for further success is high. Alex Louis, assistant director of center for leadership and service and coordinator of Greek affairs, in realizing the potential for further involvement, hopes to break the annual routine and extend the humanitarianism with an end of year bash during the spring semester. Students who missed the chance to be a part of the more recent program are encouraged to participate in high spirit during the spring campaign.

For some students, such as Rodrigo Gualdron, senior criminal justice major, chapter president of Sigma Lambda Beta Fraternity, Inc. and treasurer of Greek senate, this opportunity is one of empathy. Gualdron shares, "It's great to help someone who is enduring something that even I haven't went through; since I'm not a doctor, this is my way of helping." For St. Jude's, this kind of compassion is what "Up 'til Dawn" is all about. Centered on the reality that some children do not live to see past the dawn of their life, the organization is motivated to continue their medical efforts in support of healthy and happy longevity. In realizing this mission, Neyda Chaparro, sister of Delta Phi Epsilon, Inc., looks from outwards in. "On the surface, it is a break away from our academics, gives us something else to think about." Chaparro continues, "But then you see the time and dedication you put in pays off, and you realize that this allows you to be a part of something bigger than yourself.