Last week, Penn State joined other Big Ten schools in a fundraising effort to benefit student emergency funds. Penn State wound up raising $214,000 — more than a third of the conference’s $600,000 total.

Additionally, Penn Staters worldwide contributed more than half of the campaign’s 5,800 total gifts.

The event, “One Big Week,” took place between September 12 and 18 in an effort to help students in need. A unified effort came from alumni, parents, friends, and Penn State supporters from 18 different countries.

“We asked our community to channel their school spirit into student support and the result is a true testament to the power of the ‘We Are’ spirit,” Rich Bundy, vice president for development and alumni relations, said. “We are one community with a shared commitment to our students. Our work to ensure the wellbeing and academic success of every Penn Stater doesn’t stop today, but with collective support like what we witnessed during One Big Week, we can continue to turn our aspirations into action.”

Donated funds will help students with financial needs receive assistance covering expenses for food, utilities, school supplies, and more through Penn State’s Student Emergency Fund.

“The generosity of this community is inspiring,” said Jenny Daigle Benoit, executive director of annual giving at Penn State. “Penn Staters continue to prove that they are there for each other no matter the size of the challenge.”