OSU student gives back to United Way
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Every year, Oklahoma State University students, faculty and staff help the Stillwater Area United Way raise money for its partner agencies in the community. Jonathan Meza, a finance junior from Grapevine, Texas, is a good example of one student who has focused his energy on Stillwater Area United Way throughout his time in college with big results.
As philanthropy chair of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity at Oklahoma State University, Meza worked with Sheri Carter, the executive director of Stillwater Area United Way, to organize a benefit concert in 2013 featuring OSU alumna Adley Stump, who is known for her performance on NBC’s The Voice.
“I knew the Adley Stump concert was the big thing we did for United Way my freshman year, so I wanted to do it again my sophomore year,” Meza said. “But I knew I wanted to top everything as far as revenue and the number of people there – everything. So as soon as I was elected chair I got in contact with Eskimo Joe’s and Sheri Carter.”
From there, Meza put in hours of work to find sponsors and recruit attendees. Thirteen out of the 22 Greek chapters he contacted became sponsors, donating $300 each. Eskimo Joe’s donated the venue.
“I also reached out to all the new member educators in the Greek system and set up a bunch of coke dates between fraternities and sororities,” Meza said. “So freshman, from all the different chapters, went on coke dates to the concert. The venue was almost filled all the way to the back. It was really cool to see how much effort pays off as far as getting people to come.”
Aside from last year’s successful concert, Meza was able to encourage his fraternity brothers to support United Way by volunteering. More than 80 members of the chapter have volunteered in various ways for United Way and its partner agencies.
Meza said he really appreciates United Way for its support of many local organizations in Stillwater. “They work with a bunch of different agencies, and that means something to me. I know if any organization needs something, they’ll get help. It’s easier to donate time, money and hours when you know that all of the effort is going toward something you see in your community.”
While Meza is no longer the philanthropy chair for his chapter, he is working alongside its new chair to motivate the men to serve the United Way. The chapter co-sponsoredlast weekend’s Concert with a Conscience benefit concert at the Stillwater High School Performing Arts Center. Part of the proceeds from the concert will benefit Stillwater Area United Way.
As for the future, Meza said he hopes to continue contributing to United Way, whether through fundraising or volunteering. “I am more than happy to help Untied Way. I definitely want to do everything I can for Sheri Carter and her staff.”
Carter called Meza “a wonderful volunteer for Stillwater Area United Way” for raising funds as well as spreading awareness to so many OSU students. “His passion, energy and selflessness has helped to make our Stillwater community a better place. He is a shining example of ‘Being the Change.’”
Story by Susan Occhipinti