SUNYIT’s student psychology and sociology club presented checks recently for $8,000 to representatives of Equine Assisted Therapy Programs at Upstate Cerebral Palsy and Sitrin’s Military Rehabilitation Program. The student group raised the money through its annual benefit dinner.

“It’s about community engagement,” said Joanne Joseph, professor of psychology and club advisor. “This activity is a really good example of students giving back and being highly engaged in the community.”

Since its inception, the annual student event has raised more than $100,000 for area non-profit organizations. Proceeds from this year’s event will help provide services to returning military personnel stationed at Fort Drum in Watertown and UCP's equine assisted therapy programs.

[caption id="attachment_8953" align="aligncenter" width="432"] l. to r.: Jeremy Earl, UCP Associate Vice President of Therapy Service; Kathy Hartnett, UCP Vice President of Community Development; Stephanie Nichols, senior, East Northport; Carey Burnett, senior, Hyde Park; Joanne Joseph, professor of psychology; Mark Vrydaghs, junior, Middletown; Cassandra Bicking, senior, Mohawk; Maeve Semo, alumnus, Utica; Lauren Pugh, sophomore, Whitesboro; Jessica Krumm, senior, Utica; and SUNYIT Provost William Durgin.[/caption]