Words of Wisdom from Marquette Coordinators

The 2025 VCU-Marquette Challenge has introduced significant changes. Unlike previous Challenges that followed the school year, it now aligns with the calendar year. Additionally, winners will receive more prizes, including a visit from Foundation staff to their program. As we enter this new era, it is important to reflect on past successes and use them as a guide. Two Marquette University Challenge coordinators, Megan Lombardo and Elisa Magalang, who have three years of experience helping to raise money for physical therapy research, share their fundraising tips and tricks.

These coordinators recognized the importance of the Challenge when they entered the program. With a basic understanding and appreciation of the Challenge, they easily found their own reasons for becoming coordinators. Megan expressed that her motivation came from the knowledge that, “we can’t have really efficient and safe practice without physical therapy research.” Elisa mentioned that she conducted research in high school and wanted to support those who have a passion for research. “As an undergraduate student at Marquette University, I had heard about the legacy and tradition of the Challenge, which initially sparked my interest in becoming the coordinator,” Elisa said. No matter what motivates someone to become a coordinator, an appreciation of the difference students makes in advancing PT research through their participation, can help engage the next generation of coordinators to get involved and make a difference.

Let’s move on to Megan and Elisa’s tips for hosting a successful fundraising event. Annually, Marquette hosts a gala for the entire department to raise money for the Challenge. Megan compared the planning of the gala to “running a wedding,” where they rented out a space, got a DJ, and provided food and drinks. With years of guidance from past coordinators, they made it their goal to increase turnout while hosting a fun event. To accomplish this, they sent out invitations early, shared the event on social media often, presented in classrooms, and reached out to their local community. “I loved seeing people around the community come together to give to the Challenge,” said Elisa. During the gala, they also hosted a silent auction, which the community significantly helped to support. Here’s an important piece of advice: Utilizing the local community and businesses can help make any event a success.

While expanding beyond their PT or PTA program can enhance the fundraiser’s capabilities, it’s not always necessary to seek external help. Something to consider is that the people most likely to support a cause are those with a meaningful connection to the individual, such as professors and fellow DPT students. Elisa shared that the “PT body at Marquette is a close-knit group who wants to support each other.” It is also difficult to take on the planning of a fundraising event alone. Elisa recommends that coordinators make a team comprised of faculty who can help ensure that school policy (another item coordinators need to consider) is followed, and classmates who can support and be delegated tasks.

Both Megan and Elisa emphasized the importance of asking classmates—especially those involved in planning—about the events interest them. Megan noted, “You should do a fundraiser that your classmates want to do.” For example, Marquette recently changed their gala to become a luncheon because students preferred a more casual event that took place right after their pinning ceremony, rather than later that night.

Even though Elisa and Megan are finishing up their program and looking forward to their future as physical therapists, they offered valuable insights. By considering their advice, you can ensure a successful year of fundraising at your program.