Pack Essentials

Nov 19, 2024

Podcast: Winning the Pantry Bowl, With Stevie Kimmet

On this episode of the NC State Philanthropy Podcast, we’re joined by Stevie Kimmet, director of NC State’s Pack Essentials program, to discuss how donors provide for our Pack members in need — especially through a fun competition held with UNC-Chapel Hill each year. 

Oct 7, 2024

Day of Giving: One Day, Year-Round Impact

It’s been six months since NC State Day of Giving 2024. Learn more about how we came together for 24 hours to make a difference all year long. 

Nov 21, 2022

Supporting Feed the Pack Is Supporting the NC State Community

In addition to NC State’s rivalry-week football game against UNC-Chapel Hill, the universities are also took part in their second annual Pantry Bowl — a friendly competition to see which university can rally the most gifts for their campus food pantry. Cameron Morris ’23, outreach coordinator for NC State’s Feed the Pack Food Pantry, shares more about this vital campus resource. 

Oct 4, 2022

“One Is Too Many”: Discussing Student Need with Mike Giancola

Mike Giancola, student ombudsperson and assistant vice provost, discusses Pack Essentials services, student needs at NC State and how private support empowers our students. 

Aug 22, 2022

Podcast: Pack Essentials With Mike Giancola

On our Season 2 premiere, we’re joined by NC State’s assistant vice provost and student ombudsperson to learn how the university is working to support students in need of food, housing, financial and educational security. 

May 12, 2020

Through the Darkness to Shine a Light

To become the first in her family to earn a degree, Esmira Poladova persevered through tragedy and challenges and even became an advocate for other underresourced students. 

Mar 31, 2020

Pack Essentials Aiding Students During Financial Hardships

As the impact of COVID-19 grows, the need for Pack Essentials is greater than ever before. With donor support, Mike Giancola, assistant vice provost and student ombudsperson, and his team have been working hard to help students facing financial challenges due to a sudden loss of income.  

Nov 12, 2019

A Meal and a Night Out

After learning about food insecurity at NC State, Richard “Gus” Gusler, owner of the landmark Players Retreat restaurant near campus, realized he had been food insecure himself as a student. Now, he's donating Players Retreat gift cards so that students facing food insecurity can participate in social activities with fewer burdens. 

Nov 5, 2019

Partnering to Combat Student Housing Insecurity

Grants from the NC State University Foundation are supporting development of a Host Homes Program, which will match students facing homelessness or housing insecurity with members of the community willing to open their homes. At the same time, an interdisciplinary partnership with Professor Tom Barrie in the College of Design is exploring what it might look like to provide housing on or near campus. 

Oct 1, 2019

Beyond the Belltower: Season 2

Beyond the Bell Tower is a podcast for students enrolled in NC State's TRIO programs, with current students, alumni and community members sharing personal stories to offer guidance. While aid programs help students overcome financial barriers to higher education, TRIO addresses class, social and cultural barriers; although TRIO is federally funded, there are many opportunities for donors to support opportunity for its students. The most recent episode of Beyond the Bell Tower features Khalia Braswell, a 2013 alumna and the CEO and founder of INTech, a nonprofit fostering interest in technology among young girls of color.