Bendapudi and Chadwell: Penn State United Way campaign creates more resilient community

Dean Faye Chadwell, chair of the 2024 Penn State United Way campaign, goes Over the Edge at Beaver Stadium to support the Centre County United Way on Oct. 7.

Each year, through the Penn State United Way Campaign, residents of Centre County come together to support the work of nonprofits whose focus is to change lives within our community. This longstanding commitment — which has been a cornerstone of how our university lives out our public service mission for more than 40 years — provides more than 40% of the annual funds raised for Centre County United Way.

Funds raised through this annual campaign help to fight housing and food insecurity, provide access to mental health resources and health care, and change the lives of our neighbors and friends. Through your support, we are able to connect Centre County residents with the support they need to find stability, happiness and opportunities to grow.

Support for the Penn State United Way Campaign can provide long-lasting impacts for so many people in our area. One in three Centre County residents access these services through Centre County United Way each year. United Way’s 24 partner agencies work to give these residents life-saving support in times of crisis and turmoil. Those efforts are only possible through your support during this annual campaign.

Whether you participate in “Over the Edge” at Beaver Stadium, volunteer your time, or offer either one-time or continuous financial contributions, your efforts are essential in shaping the supportive and compassionate community we are building in Centre County. Through your contribution, you help Centre County residents receive the education they need to achieve their dreams, assist in providing health care to residents without insurance, help families to stay housed and fed, and so much more.

Your support during this campaign showcases the kindness and dedication of Centre County residents to create a closer, stronger and more resilient community: a true reflection of Penn State’s enduring mission to serve and empower our communities.

Please visit UnitedWay.psu.edu to learn more about how you can donate or volunteer and continue the important work being done in our community.

Neeli Bendapudi is the Penn State President and Faye A. Chadwell is the chair of the 2024-25 Penn State United Way Campaign and dean of Penn State University Libraries.