PHOTO | Maddie VanderKooi
On Tuesday Nov. 1, The League of United Latin American Citizens and TheDream.US scholars co-sponsored a “Pie – a – Prof” fundraiser.
Jamie Young from the One-Stop Student Center and Joceline Argueta from the ATU Financial Aid office thought up the idea for this event.
The organizations accepted donations in several participating professors and staff members’ names. Once the participant reached a total donation amount of $50, they received a pie in the face made of cool whip. If the participant reached a total donation amount of $300, they were requested to perform a TikTok dance.
The LULAC and TheDream.US scholars were working together to raise money in support of their organizations.
LULAC is a group of Hispanic and Latinx students who work to uplift their community. They volunteer for the betterment of our area (River Valley Food 4 Kids, Salvation Army, River Valley Christian Clinic), host career and student success workshops and offer a scholarship to promote Hispanic/Latinx leadership and success, regardless of immigration status.
TheDream.US scholars also known as DREAMers are students who grew up in the United States, graduated from high schools but don’t have the legal authorization to apply for federal financial aid, Tech academic scholarships or most state scholarships like the Academic Challenge (Lottery scholarship). In many cases, they are legally blocked from working and driving, too. It’s a tough spot to be in and DREAMers want to support them as much as possible, particularly now that the courts have tied up DACA applications since July 2021
The emcee and pie thrower for the event was Tyler Polk from ATU Admissions.
Along with the pie throwing, the event included the sale of tamales and hot chocolate from Blandy Pedrez and her mom, pupusas from La Plaza Market in Dardanelle and LULAC hosted a bake sale with lots of items.
“It was wonderful to share the space with folks celebrating and honoring loved ones with Dia de los Muertos celebration nearby,” said Young.
“We also had some amazing volunteers from the One-Stop Student Center, the Financial Aid office, ATU Admissions and Do Something.
The organizations invited everyone they could, and any professor and staff member was eligible to participate.
Participated individuals included Theresa Cullen, Sean Huss, Josh Lockyer, Justin Moss, Jeffrey Pearson, Jeremy Schewhm, Scott Tomlin, and Jamie Young.
Sean Huss received more than 5 pies in the face. Huss also performed a TikTok everyone can watch @dosomethingatu on TikTok.
Others received several, while some received only one or didn’t have to have a pie in the face at all.
“We have so much appreciation for each of the courageous professors who took part, and all of the selfless volunteers assisting on that surprisingly sunny day,” said Young.
The event was so successful that they all hope to make this a tradition each semester.
They are hoping to host next semester on Tuesday, March 14 or better known as “Pi” day.
