Huether School of Business sales students collect 1,800 pounds of pasta for local food banks

From mid-October until November 13, students in the Huether School of Business sales organization at The College of Saint Rose put their sales skills to use by soliciting donations for a Pasta Grab Challenge. The goal? Collect 1,000 boxes of pasta for local food banks.

By the end of the drive on Friday afternoon, the Huether School of Business lobby was packed with 1,800 pounds of pasta. Pasta will be delivered to Victory Church Food Pantry, Food Pantries for the Capital District, Blessed Sacrament Food Pantry, and Capital City Rescue Mission.

“Doing this Pasta Challenge was rewarding because it enabled us to work together across the community to give back to those who need a little extra help this holiday season,” said Suzanne Ibrahim, a first-year business student.

Mark Michalisin, sales professional in residence at Saint Rose, said he was proud to watch the students use what they’re learning in our sales major to learn how to solicit donations from local businesses. One of the Saint Rose values is “service to the dear neighbor,” and Michalisin feels it’s important that students who aspire to be the next business leaders learn the importance of also giving back to the community. Saint Rose student-athletes also helped with the efforts, and collection boxes were placed on campus.

“We are doing our part to help the community, as we should,” Michalisin said. “The students love knowing they are helping families in need.”

Michalisin said he and the students are particularly grateful to the business community, including Digital Xpress, Cetera Financial, Hill & Markes, Market 32, Northwestern Mutual, Pede Bros., INOC Data Centers, and Laser Facility Management. Joe Fairley, director of business development at Laser Facility Management, was convinced by the students to get involved, and he helped raise more than 400 pounds of pasta for the drive.

Saint Rose is home to the only sales major in New York State.