The Residence Hall Association (RHA) at Wayne State University works diligently to ensure that student success goes beyond the dorm room. RHA hosts events and campaigns that work to promote self-expression and utilize personal differences to enhance the residential experience while in college.

“I brought the idea to the board that we should give residents some sort of community outreach,” said RHA President Kamali Clora, a sophomore public health student in the Irvin D. Reid Honors College. “A lot of those students don’t have the ability to access those opportunities or have the drive to actually go out and look for something like that.”

After securing approval from the board and confirming participation from all eight general residence hall counsels, the Residence Hall Association has initiated a campus-wide fundraising campaign, Pennies for Patients, with all donations going toward the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

The monthlong campaign ends the week of March 25 and aims to raise $1,500 through a residence hall competition. Campaign boxes can be found in the lobby of each residence hall, and residents are encouraged to donate coins and cash. Donations will be tracked weekly so each hall can keep track of their progress in comparison to the other halls. Non-resident students are welcome to donate electronically at events.lls.org/pages/mi/Wayne-State-University-2019. The hall that raises the most money will be rewarded a grand prize.

“Bringing [community service] to the residents and giving them the chance to learn about community awareness and organizations will hopefully spark interest,” said Clora.

The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society plans to use proceeds from the fundraiser to support STEM research, education and programs. RHA aims to use this fundraiser to unite the student body and partner in the fight against leukemia and lymphoma.