[232]MTSU HISTORY CLASS SHOWS THAT EVERY PENNY COUNTS

MTSU HISTORY CLASS SHOWS THAT EVERY PENNY COUNTS

Dec. 11, 2008
CONTACT: Tom Tozer, 615-898-2919
Dr. Amy Sayward, 615-898-2536

MURFREESBORO—What would 27,500 pennies get you? At least enough for a couple of trips to the grocery story or one stupendous night out on the town. How about to help build a school in Pakistan?
Dr. Amy Sayward’s history class at MTSU recently raised the equivalent of 27,500 pennies—or $275—for the Pennies for Peace program, an initiative to help support the building of schools in Pakistan where education is a luxury for most and nearly an impossibility for women.
Sayward, who also is chair of the university’s history department, said the idea came to her after hearing Greg Mortenson, founder of Pennies for Peace, speak at this year’s MTSU fall convocation last August.
“He has focused on the importance of education and the education of girls in particular,” Sayward said.
Mortenson founded the Pennies for Peace organization in 1993 after climbing Pakistan’s K2 Mountain in honor of his deceased sister, according to his official website, Gregmortenson.com. He recuperated in a nearby village, and while there, he promised to build a school for them. This gave rise to Pennies for Peace.
Sayward said the money raised will go to support a middle school program in Pakistan. She said the organization’s goal is to provide as many Pakistanis as possible with at least a 5th-grade education.
“I thought it was a good project that promoted giving to help out others in need,” said Deric Hunt, a sophomore in Sayward’s class.
“It was a good idea to get students to contribute to society,” added Annalisa Penhollow, a senior recording industry major.

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