The College of Professional Studies (CPS) hosted its first-ever Freshman Dodgeball Fundraiser in Taffner Field House, with all proceeds donated to Momma’s House charity, on Thursday, March 23.
A mix of students and faculty, including CPS Dean Katia Passerini, participated in the event by donating and signing up to compete in an elimination-style dodgeball tournament.
After an hour of play, team four was crowned the champions of the inaugural event.
The featured charity, Momma’s House, is an organization based on Long Island that focuses on providing housing and support services for single mothers between the ages of 18 and 23.
Momma’s House also offers education assistance and job training so that young mothers can eventually independently support themselves and their children.
“We’re hoping to raise both awareness and funding with this tournament,” Deirdre Trumpy, a St. John’s alum and the assistant director of Momma’s House, said. “We want these college students to be aware that there are young women their age, too, that are struggling in this way.”
CPS partnered with Campus Recreation to host the event as a way for students to connect with professors and administrators in a unique, enjoyable way while still raising money for a charitable cause.
“One of our goals to demystify getting together with your advising deans, which at times can be a scary experience,” Passerini said. “We just wanted to have another way to connect with our students.”
Rosemary Hartofilis, an academic advisor and organizer for the dodgeball tournament, saw the event as a more exciting way for students to get involved.
“We’ve had meet the dean events with just casual chats in the past, but I wanted something that was more fun and interactive so they could see the human side of us,” Hartofilis said.
After a lively and energetic afternoon of loud music and friendly competition, the College of Professional Studies raised a considerable amount of money for Momma’s House.
