Indiana University East surpassed its fundraising goal for the student emergency fund through the “People of the Pack: Get on Board the Cutout Campaign.”

The campaign, held September 14-30, invited alumni, faculty, staff, students, parents of student-athletes, and community members to participate with a display of campus spirit by donating $50. Recognition of the gift included a cardboard cutout of participants – or of the person or pet of their choice – placed in a campus building.

IU East recently surpassed a fundraising goal with the “People of the Pack: Get on Board the Cutout Campaign.” Benefits from the campaign go toward the IU East Marilyn Watkins Red Wolf Student Support Fund to provide emergency funding for students.

Paula Kay King, director of Gift Development, said the idea was to build campus morale for students while also raising funds for the student emergency fund, the IU East Marilyn Watkins Red Wolf Student Support Fund.

The Marilyn Watkins fund provides emergency support for students facing unforeseen financial hardships right now from food insecurity to unexpected medical expenses to limited access to technology.

“We are fortunate to have an emergency fund established to benefit students who may find they are suddenly in need of assistance,” King said. “As a campus, we recognize that students and families are experiencing unexpected financial emergencies, loss of employment, or many other unexpected struggles during this unprecedented time. We are thankful for the many contributions provided by our Red Wolf family and friends of the university to help offer support for students when it is needed most.”

More than 40 gifts from campus and community members helped to raise over $2,500 through the “People of the Pack” campaign.

Cutouts are on display in campus buildings now through November 20, ahead of Thanksgiving break. Once students leave campus for break, all courses will move to an all-online format as previously announced.

Jason Troutwine, vice chancellor for External Affairs, said the cutout campaign is a way to boost student and campus morale.

“While IU East is offering select courses on campus this fall, students are primarily taking courses online as part of the effort to make the campus as safe as possible during the ongoing pandemic. Additionally, many faculty and staff continue to work remotely,” Troutwine said. “This has given the campus a very different atmosphere this fall. The cutouts are a way for us to be present and to offer encouragement or a friendly face for students as they are on campus.”

Contributions to the IU East Marilyn Watkins Red Wolf Student Support Fund can be made online at myiu.org by following these steps: Click on ‘Give Now’. Click on ‘Make a Gift’. Type ‘Marilyn Watkins’ in the search all funds area. Questions? Please contact Paula Kay King, director of Gift Development, at (765) 973-8331 or pkayking@iue.edu.