Wright State student organizations give back during Fall Semester

Whether raising money for cancer research, making a difference in the lives of local children or bridging language barriers, Wright State University student organizations are finding meaningful ways to give back — not only on National Philanthropy Day on Nov. 15, but throughout the semester.

Think pink

During the Fall Semester’s “Think Pink Week,” Zeta Tau Alpha raised $4,000 to support breast cancer education, research and awareness. (Photo provided by Zeta Tau Alpha)

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and Zeta Tau Alpha is working to support the education, research and awareness of the disease.

Each semester, the sorority hosts “Think Pink Week,” a weeklong series of activities and events. This semester’s activities included dine-to-donate partnerships with local restaurants, an opportunity to pie-a-Zeta and a 50/50 raffle at a women’s soccer game.

The week’s main event was Volley for a Cure, where the Wright State community could donate to form a team and participate in a volleyball tournament. The event also includes raffle baskets and a silent auction.

From Oct. 11–17, “Think Pink Week” raised $4,000 — doubling the sorority’s goal and surpassing the total raised during the entire 2025–2026 academic year with the Spring Semester’s events still to come.

The sorority has been recognized on a national level for its contributions to the cause. Over the summer, Olivia McCloskey, a senior psychology major and president of Zeta Tau Alpha, and Lauren Marinelli, a junior criminal and justice studies major and vice president of recruitment, attended Zeta Tau Alpha’s national convention in Palm Springs, California.

Wright State’s Eta Pi chapter was awarded the $10,000 Level Founders Club award, highlighting the amount of money the chapter has raised for breast cancer education, awareness and research during the 2024–2026 biennium.

“Knowing that our chapter’s efforts contribute to our national organization’s support for breast cancer research is incredibly special to us and reminds us why we do what we do,” McCloskey said.

For the kids

Making a positive impact on the lives of children at Dayton Children’s Hospital is at the heart of Miracle Makers’ mission.

This semester, the Miracle Makers hosted a lemonade stand during move-in, an ice cream social, a fun run during Family Weekend and a pumpkin painting event to raise awareness of the organization among students, local businesses and the community while raising funds for the cause.

“Our goal is not only to raise money but also to create opportunities for students to get involved and understand the difference they can make in the lives of children and families in our community,” said Hali Csoltko, a junior biological sciences major and executive director of Miracle Makers.

The organization has also been preparing for its largest fundraiser of the year. Scheduled for April 10, 2027, Raiderthon is a full day of dancing, games, activities, free food and drinks and raffles. One of the most meaningful parts, Csoltko said, is having Miracle Children from Dayton Children’s Hospital and their families join in on the fun, giving supporters the opportunity to meet the kids who will benefit from their generosity.

“Raiderthon is more than just raising money. It’s about showing these families that they have an entire community standing behind them,” Csoltko said.

All proceeds from the event go directly to Dayton Children’s Hospital. In 2026, the organization raised over $59,000 for the hospital.

Miracle Makers raised more than $59,000 for Dayton Children’s Hospital during the Spring Semester’s Raiderthon and has spent the fall raising awareness of the organization ahead of Raiderthon 2027. (Photo by Erin Pence)

Bridging the gap

When patients visit their healthcare professionals, clear communication is essential. But for Spanish-speaking patients, language barriers can make it difficult to communicate with healthcare providers. Amigos Latinos has spent this semester working to bridge that gap.

At the Latino Wellness Clinic, students have helped translate conversations between patients and doctors. They have also dedicated time to helping Boonshoft School of Medicine medical students learn and practice Spanish so that they are better prepared to serve Spanish-speaking patients.

“It is rewarding to see how our organization contributes to the Dayton region, even in small steps,” said Leslie Perez, a sophomore education major and president of Amigos Latinos. “Engaging in community service is not only important for giving back to society, but also for building connections and creating opportunities for others.”

Amigos Latinos works to bridge language barrier gaps between patients and healthcare providers by providing translation services and teaching medical students Spanish. (Photo provided by Amigos Latinos)