On Wednesday, July 29, IPVS held an awards reception both in celebration of ten years of the Institute and to honor an alumna along with a local nonprofit.

Students, alumni, intern sponsors, mentors and staff attended the reception where M.O.M.I.E.’s TLC (Mentors Of Minorities In Education’s Total Learning Cis-tem) was recognized for their work in the community.

M.O.M.I.E’s was granted $2440 raised by the 2009 IPVS class and their Institute Philanthropy Project IPVS: FLAME (Fostering Leadership And Meaningful Education). This interactive project gives students a chance to see the many facets of nonprofit work while getting first-hand experience in developing a mission statement, organizing service projects, planning fundraising events and participating in effective grant-making. This summer, FLAME hosted several fundraising events including a yard sale and car was at TFAS Headquarters, a raffle at the student/alumni BBQ and the first ever TFAS Talent Show. The class also hosted a Hunger Banquet on campus and organized three service projects while partnering with local youth organizations.

In honor of the 10 year anniversary of the Institute on Philanthropy and Voluntary Service, TFAS chose to honor an alumnus who is impacting their community by serving as a volunteer, a nonprofit employee or an active donor. At the Awards Reception, Alumna Erin Slater (P 99) was presented with the IPVS 10th Anniversary Alumni Award.

Slater is the CEO of College Mentors for Kids, an Indianapolis-based nonprofit organization that cultivates ongoing one-on-one relationships between college students and elementary-aged students.

As Slater began her studies on working with at-risk youth and families, she also founded the Purdue University Chapter of College Mentors for Kids. This unique experience allowed her to understand her university through the child she was mentoring and she was able to see first-hand what providing children with positive opportunities can do to their self-esteem and their desire to learn.

After finishing her studies, Erin was asked to join the College Mentors staff as program director. Her fundraising and program development experience at the Purdue Chapter gave her an understanding of the multifaceted nature of the mentor program and how it impacts the children, their families, the college-student mentors and the elementary and university partners that support them. Now, as chief executive officer, Erin is focused on strategic planning, board development, major gifts, and program expansion.

“Erin has done great work through the College Mentors organization, and it is growing and thriving under her leadership,” said Andrew Buroker (E 83), who nominated Erin for the award. “She has led the expansion to more campuses and more elementary schools with this worthwhile program, and she is an effective leader clearly making a positive difference in her community.”