Morgan Metropoulos

A passion of mine is Autism Speaks Univeristy. ASU is a philanthropic organization where universities can help change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. Our goal here at UMass is to support the awareness, advocacy, and fundraising efforts of autism. As the executive Awareness Chair I increased the participation and membership in this newly found club through the planning and execution of numerous charitable events. Our campus participates in the annual worldwide "Light It Up Blue" campaign on Autism Awareness Day along with some of the biggest landmarks in the world; most notably--Christ the Redeemer Statue in Brazil, the Sydney Opera House in Australia, and the Empire State Building in New York City. I created a personal clientele with buildings on campus to initiate and ensure the success of this event. I also kept in contact with faculty throughout the year to host many fundraisers on campus and throughout the Amherst community. Last year we raised over $30,000 for ASU becoming the second highest fundraising school in the country. My continual motivation is knowing that my efforts are making a difference on a regional, national and worldwide level for every 1 in 88 child diagnosed with autism.