Cornell Leadership Program student receives philanthropic award

[November 20, 2013] Jeremy Terman, a sophomore in the Trulaske College of Business and Cornell Leadership Program member, has been awarded the Young Fundraiser and Philanthropist of the Year Award given by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Mo, Mid-America Chapter.

The Young Fundraiser and Philanthropist of the Year award recognizes service by an individual who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the community through direct financial support, development of charitable programs, volunteering and leadership in philanthropy.

While at Mizzou, Terman has taken an active interest in finding philanthropy where he can really make a difference. “I wanted to find my own niche of philanthropy. I turned to Special Olympics last year and became an intern for them,” Terman explains, “I started working with them on their polar plunge fundraiser which is an event where we raise money and jump into a freezing lake to show our support and appreciation for athletes.”

Terman created a team with just three weeks to the event and ended up raising more than $5,000 for the charity. Terman attributes skills he’s learned in the Trulaske College of Business. “I’ve gained the necessary marketing skills to really get my fundraisers off the ground and the various programs offered by the business school have really helped me become a better communicator.”

While his work at Mizzou has been impressive, his real start at philanthropy started in high school.

At the Barstow School in Kansas City, Terman created a food drive called “Trick or Treat So Kids Can Eat.” He partnered Operation Breakthrough, a non-for-profit school, with a local grocery store and Harvesters Community Food Network. For one day a year and in conjunction with the grocery store and Harvest, volunteers sit outside the grocery store and urge customers walking in to purchase pre-made bags of food to donate to low income children.

Since its first year, the food drive has grown exponentially. Over the past three years, more than 25,000 pounds of food have been purchased for kids in need. At two meals per pound, more than 40,000 meals have been donated. “It’s really great to see my project of the ground and still going strong,” Terman said.

All of Terman’s hard work has paid off. After being nominated by his former high school, he was chosen to receive the philanthropic award along with Waddell & Reed Financial, Inc., Saint Luke's Foundation, and The Sunderland Foundation.