Institute of Hope Collects for UCO Food Pantry

The Institute of Hope is a faculty-directed and student-led institute within the University of Central Oklahoma's College of Liberal Arts. Keeping with the educational philosophy of transformative learning and exemplifying the "Central Six" the institute give the opportunity for students to plan and partake in progressive societal change.

The institute's goals are fighting prejudice poverty, abuse and other social injustices. This is achieved through educational programing, student financial aid and civic engagement. In addition to partnering with other local and national organizations, the institute sponsors book reviews, lecturers, films and discussion panels as well as other annual student events and activities.

This year the students focus is "Children in Peril." Students collected 1,300 pounds pounds of food for UCO's newly opened food pantry. The director is Dr. Brenda Chappell and the students currently in the program are: April Payne, Selena Elzy, Telana McCullough, Amir Shams, Sarah Murphy, Ann-Marie Imperto and Samantha Wayland.