In an effort to foster community spirit and support sustainability, New York Tech's Division of Student Engagement and Development (SE&D) organized a campus-wide contest during the week of March 3-7, 2025. This initiative was strategically aligned with the annual spring Faculty Development Day on March 5, 2025, creating a week filled with activities and engagement opportunities for students.

One of the standout events of the week was the Reusable Bag Drive, aimed at supporting Bear Bytes food pantries, specifically the Grizzly Cupboards. The Grizzly Cupboards have been a vital resource for students, with 1,357 students utilizing their services last year alone. The drive encouraged students to donate reusable bags, which will be used for shopping trips to the Grizzly Cupboards, promoting both environmental sustainability and community support.

The contest offered four exciting chances to win:

1. The campus with the most donated bags.
2. The individual donating the most bags on Faculty Development Day (March 5).
3. The NYC student who donated the most bags.
4. The Long Island student who donated the most bags.

Prizes included New York Tech swag bags and $50 gift cards, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. On Monday, March 10, the winners were announced; the drive resulted in an impressive 148 donated bags!

The NYC campus bagged the win for the campus with the most donations, contributing 137 of the 148 donations. Congratulations to the New York City Campus! The individual who donated the most bags on Faculty Development Day was Laramie Knox of the NYC campus. Michelle Ng, also from the NYC campus, donated 47 bags, making her the NYC student with the most donations. The Long Island student who donated the most bags was Yashi Shah. Congratulations to all our winners!

SE&D's initiative not only provided a practical solution to a pressing need but also highlighted the importance of student involvement in campus life. By participating in the Reusable Bag Drive, students contributed to a cause that directly benefits their peers, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility.

As we reflect on the success of this event, it's clear that initiatives like these are essential in building a supportive and engaged campus community. SE&D's efforts have once again demonstrated the power of collective action and the positive impact it can have on our campus.

Stay tuned for more exciting events and opportunities to get involved with SE&D. Together, we can continue to make a difference!