By Daniela De Los Santos
Research and Instruction Librarian Mary Jackson took a vow of silence last Wednesday as winner of the Alpha Chi Penny Wars Fundraiser.
With a total of 4,465 points, Jackson’s victory meant no speaking for 24-hours.
“I suggested the vow of silence when we were planning the fundraiser,” Jackson said when ask how she felt about her promise, “so I’m perfectly willing to do my part.”
The sponsors were used as incentives to donate towards the fundraiser. Each one had an embarrassing or difficult task they promised to carry out if they were to collect the most points.
Points were determined by how much of each kind of currency each sponsor’s container held. Pennies were worth one point and everything else, when donated to the individuals, deducted different points depending on the amount of that coin or dollar.
“It will be an interesting day,” said Jackson. “People have been asking me about it since Monday. I hope I don’t have too many reference questions. I brought a small white board with me to work and I’m also a pretty fast typist. I think it is going to be OK.”
Tony Jones came in second with 301 points, followed by John Jackson with -238 points, Lori Mills with -244 and Bob Mahan with -1534. Alpha Chi raised a total of $153.75.
“I’m so proud that so many people supported her in this,” said John Jackson, the victor’s husband. “My pride is overwhelming.”
Jackson said he couldn’t imagine a day in their entire 30-year relationship that he has never heard her speak.
“I don’t know what to do with myself,” he said with a smile.
They both mentioned that Jackson’s victory was due in large part from Mahan’s help. He contributed $40 in pennies towards her container.
The money collected will be donated to buy books for a local school. The chosen school has not been determined yet.
Alpha Chi is a collegiate honor society made up of the top 10 percent juniors and seniors with a minimum 3.5 GPA. Each member must first be nominated by a professor. The group is sponsored by five faculty members: Tony Jones, John Jackson, Mary Jackson, Lori Mills and Bob Mahan.
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