The Spirit of Change is a movement of students inspiring students. Whether it is a free cup of coffee or an umbrella in the rain, the Blue Key Honor Society inspires other students by performing random acts of kindness throughout the semester. Fundraising takes place for the Spirit of Change during Opening Week and the first week of school. All the money collected for the Spirit of Change goes back to the students and is used to help make a difference in students’ lives. A fountain is constructed each Opening Week, located between the Puck and Norwood Hall. People who have extra change can drop it in the fountain during those two weeks. The Opening Week design project vehicles are auctioned each year to faculty and staff and the funds go to the Spirit of Change. Last year students raised $3,000 for the Spirit of Change.

Some of the acts of kindness can be: parking meters paid for a day, juice and homemade cupcakes after a math exam, free cups of coffee or hot chocolate on a chilly day or free tail-gate parties to support the Miners. In one instance, a fundraiser was held to support a student who was injured in a car accident. Selling wristbands, the group raised $6,000 for this student’s family after his passing. In the past, the Spirit of Change has also helped a group of students who were the victims of an apartment fire.

If you are interested in supporting or donating to this project, contact Hannah Barber, Blue Key member and chair of the Spirit of Change project. More information about the Blue Key Honor Society can be found online.