In Papa's memory

Every fall for the past 10 years, students in professor Peter Titlebaum’s sales and fundraising class in the sport management program compete in a philanthropy tournament. The prize is more than just bragging rights – there’s a cash prize awarded in the student’s name donated to a charity of their choice. 

Students compete by sharing a story about a cause they’re passionate about. The prize money is a direct result of 10 years of class fundraising for the Gary Mioli Leadership in Community Fund, which now totals more than $150,000. Created in 2016, the fund honors UD alumnus and former UD football manager Gary Mioli ’79 by giving students the opportunity to make a philanthropic impact by giving to nonprofits and charities. 

To win, students must express why this cause matters to them, aiming to gain support from their classmates to advance to the next round. Their goal is to ultimately make it to the final four. At that stage, students create a 5-minute video to share with the sport management alumni committee, who rank the finalists from fourth to first, with each position receiving a cash award for their chosen charity.

Junior sport management major Jordan Harbeck won the 2024 philanthropy tournament, and the top prize of $3,250, with his presentation on the Alzheimer's Association. 

Harbeck decided the organization was the right fit due to a personal experience with his great- grandfather, “Papa.” In his presentation, Harbeck said the life of Chester Combs was impacted by this cruel disease that “robs not only those diagnosed but their family and loved ones.”

As a child of a single working mom, Harbeck spent much of his time growing up with his Papa. There was an undeniable bond between the two. Harbeck recalled one afternoon before he left his grandparent’s house when Papa pulled him in tight for a hug and said the words, “I’ll never forget you.”

“Unfortunately, Papa would forget, not only me but everyone and everything he once held dear,” Harbeck said. “It was Alzheimer’s.”

Today, Harbeck shares how he fights to find a cure for not only himself but for his sisters. Alzheimer’s can have genetic factors, and he said he never wants his family to experience pieces of a loved one being chipped away. Though heartbreaking, Harbeck’s experience became a powerful story he used to inspire others and create a meaningful impact beyond his own life.