By Angelina Danubio; Photo Credits to Gavin Rine
From Feb. 16-20, Phi Mu Delta at Susquehanna University (SU) hosted its annual Philanthropy Week, raising money and awareness for Transitions of PA through a series of campus-wide events. The week blended service, friendly competition, and community engagement. Everything was centered around supporting survivors of violence and oppression. Leading the effort was the chapter’s Vice President of Community, Gavin Rine, who oversees the chapter’s service and philanthropy initiatives. In his role, Rine manages service hours, coordinates service trips, builds community connections, and supports the chapter’s philanthropy chairs, Ryan Breslin and Dylan Cummins. Rine shared that his favorite part of the position is working with community partners to determine how Phi Mu Delta can make a meaningful difference locally.
Phi Mu Delta’s philanthropy partner, Transitions of PA, is a nonprofit committed to ending violence and helping individuals rebuild their lives after experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault or human trafficking. According to Cummins, the cause is especially meaningful because it directly impacts individuals in the local community. As a smaller organization, Transitions of PA benefits significantly from community support, and the chapter is proud to contribute financial assistance each semester.
This year’s Philanthropy Week featured events throughout the week, including a bake sale and Presidential Trivia on Monday, Pie-A-Guy on Tuesday, Bingo Night on Wednesday, raffles on Thursday and Friday, and a Beach Party to close out the week. While the week itself does not necessarily revolve around a single theme, the Beach Party served as a “frosty beach party” celebration, a nod to warmer days ahead despite the winter weather. The event aimed to bring both the SU and greater Selinsgrove communities together in a fun and welcoming environment.
Over the years, Philanthropy Week has evolved in both structure and programming. Rine, who previously served as Philanthropy Chair, noted that while earlier years included events like pierogies and carnival-style activities, recent weeks have incorporated more nighttime programming such as bingo and trivia. Despite changes in events, the chapter’s goal remains consistent: to raise as much money as possible in support of their philanthropy. A standout feature of the week is the surfboard painting competition, which takes place during the Beach Party. The tradition began in 2022 as a collaboration between Phi Mu Delta, Sigma Gamma Rho and Phi Beta Sigma. What started as a small Greek organization collaboration has since grown into a larger campus competition, inviting broader involvement from Greek life organizations.
The Beach Party itself plays a key role in both fundraising and community-building. Open to all students, the event offers mocktails, dancing and games while serving as a final fundraising push. This year, Phi Mu Delta partnered with Zeta Tau Alpha, allowing both organizations to raise money for their respective philanthropies while increasing turnout and campus engagement.
Importantly, Philanthropy Week is not limited to members of Greek life. Students unaffiliated with Greek organizations are encouraged to attend events, donate and participate in the activities. “Any donation helps,” Breslin emphasized, highlighting the inclusive nature of the week’s events.
For Rine, Philanthropy Week represents more than fundraising; it reflects the core values of Phi Mu Delta. “It allows all of the brothers to unite and work towards a single cause,” he explained. The dedication to service and community impact is a defining aspect of the organization, and Philanthropy Week serves as a visible reminder of that commitment. Through bake sales, trivia competitions, raffles and a winter-themed beach celebration, Phi Mu Delta once again demonstrated the power of community involvement in supporting meaningful change.