In a true display of cura personalis (care for the whole person), students from Dr. Karl Alorbi’s Principles of Management class at Saint Peter’s University recently took on a large-scale fundraising effort to support the Palisades Emergency Residence Corporation (PERC) in Union City, NJ. A celebration of this fundraising effort was held in Pete’s Place Cafe on December 8, 2025.
Led by sophomore Dazalyn Patino, freshman Lorenzo Amendola and freshman Courtney Sommerville, over $28,000 worth of goods were collected and donated. Fundraising was done in groups, with some students focusing on selling baked goods to raise funds while others worked hard to solicit donations. PERC Director Wendy Phillippe was on hand to accept a wide range of necessary items, including toiletries, long- and short-sleeved shirts, outerwear and more.
Dr. Alorbi noted that he presented the service-learning challenge of the fundraiser to his students, and they accepted it enthusiastically and with vigor. As men and women in service to others, the students banded together and far exceeded any fundraising expectations. Ms. Patino commented on the importance of such service learning efforts:
“This time of the year reminds us of the importance of giving, we’re thankful to be in a position to give back to, and support our community. This will be something that motivates me to keep growing, connecting, and contributing.”
Saint Peter’s administrators Dr. Kimberly Reeve, Dean of the Guarini School of Business, Dr. Glenda Guerrero, Assistant Dean of the Guarini School of Business, Dr. Chanaz Gargouri, Chair of the Business Program and Dr. WeiDong Zhu, Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs were all on hand to congratulate the students’ efforts.