Binghamton University Masters of Public Administration students organized their 14th annual Party with a Purpose Event at the Broome County Regional Farmers Market. The event, which is entirely organized by the students, serves as an opportunity for future public servants to gain practical experience while supporting a local charity. Student Lauren Kidd, Executive Chair of the program’s philanthropy committee, led the way in making the event a success. Suleima Rivas, another student in the program, highlighted the significance of the occasion, saying, “Being part of the CCPA, our whole mission is to help others. So this is kind of putting our money where our mouth is.”
Each fall, a non-profit class evaluates local charities, ultimately selecting the recipient of the event’s proceeds. This year’s chosen charity was Gigi’s Playhouse, which provides programming and support for people with Down syndrome and their families. Professor Lauren Dula, who teaches the non-profit class, discusses the challenging decision-making process: “We have to struggle to choose one organization to actually fund with the proceeds of the party with a purpose… but what is really nice about it all is that the students can experience and get a learning experience and at the same time we’re doing something really great for the community.”
Binghamton University’s MPA, which is a part of the university’s Community of College and Public Affairs, emphasizes hands-on learning and community engagement. The program’s focus is on training students to become future leaders in the public sector and through events like the annual Party with a Purpose, the students are able to put that mission into action.
