Math professor Katrina Tomanelli is used to teaching complicated mathematical concepts to her students at St. Clair College.
But on Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Student Life Centre, the math was pretty simple: exchange a few dollars for the chance to pie your profs and presidents.
"Some of my friends have her as a professor, and the calculus itself is a little hard right now, so it's pretty fun," said William Bradford, a student in the Mechanical Engineering Technology - Automotive Product Design program.
Tomanelli was plastered by Bradford with about three pies, but she was in good spirits after the barrage, noting it's a small part she can play in supporting a worthy cause.
"It's pie related, and I'm a math professor, so anything 'pi,' I'm front-and-centre, I'm on board," Tomanelli said. "I think it's a great cause to support, so that's why I'm here."
The cause she and others supported is the United Way's Giving Campaign, which was launched across all St. Clair College campuses on Dec. 2, 2024.
The campaign is a school-wide effort to raise important funds for the United Way of Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent's programs and ultimate mission to end childhood poverty.
One of those initiatives is the 'On Track To Success' program, which is focused on ensuring students who are experiencing poverty are graduating high school on time and pursing post-secondary education.
On Track To Success wraps support like after school tutoring, career exploration, mentoring opportunities, and financial supports for basic needs like food and transportation around students and their families to help remove barriers and create more opportunity to reach their full potential.
"Together, we can change the trajectory of a young person's life, with many of them choosing to continue their educational journey right here at St. Clair College. In fact, 59 On Track To Success graduates are current students right here at St. Clair College and we've had 24 students graduate from the College," said Leslie Frattaroli, the Vice-President of Development at United Way/Centraide Windsor-Essex Chatham-Kent.
SRC President Rishi Vatish gets pied by SRC board member Ali Hadwan during the 'pie your prof' fundraiser on Dec. 6, 2024. (Rich Garton/St. Clair College)
Tomanelli was first up for the whipped cream blitz, followed by SRC President Rishi Vatish and SSAA President George Karatzias. Another slew of professors were next to get pied, including Chantelle Botscheller, Kristina DiPaolo, Barry Rivard, Chamara Ekanayake, Mathew Haug, Justina Ciarlariello, Stephanie Middleton, Michael Jimmerfield, Cameron Payne, and Mark Lambert.
Through this fabulous fundraiser, $400 dollars was raised for the campaign.
Students at the Chatham campus got in on the fun a week earlier, where Scott Braun, Ryan Pepper, Peg Smolders, Derek Jane, Andrea Pepper, Adrian Viselli, Greg Bartlett, Brock McGregor, Tammy Gehl, Kathy Hansen, and Val Oriet lined up to get a face full of whipped cream.
That event was also a tremendous success, raising an additional $360.
"I think it's phenomenal. Giving back and getting the stress out at the same time is pretty good, so it's a win-win," said Bradford.
This year's Giving Campaign will run for two weeks, wrapping up on Dec. 13, offering numerous ways to donate.
If you missed the pie your president and professor fundraisers, here are some other ways you can contribute:
- One-Time Donation
Make an immediate impact with a single contribution every dollar helps transform lives! - Bi-Weekly Donation (with end date)
Support consistently for a set period by scheduling regular donations that work within your budget. - Bi-Weekly Donation (no end date)
Opt for ongoing contributions to provide sustained support for vital community programs. - Online
Donate directly to United Way online. - In Person
Make a donation at one of the College's on-campus booths:- Main Campus (Alcove outside of S.L.C.) - Monday Dec. 2 - Friday Dec. 13 - 11:00am- 2:00pm
