Freezin’ for More Than One Reason: An Annual Tradition Rooted in Faith, Service, and Mission

The second annual Polar Plunge was held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026 on campus grounds at Billera Hall. The event has become one of the most anticipated and spirited happenings at DeSales University. But, beyond the cheers, costumes, and icy waters lies a mission rooted in faith, service, and community.

Organized by the University’s Special Olympics Club, the Polar Plunge raises critical funds to support athletes with intellectual disabilities across the Commonwealth. Proceeds from the event go directly toward covering athletes’ travel expenses, uniforms, competition fees, and training resources to support the Eastern Fall Sectional, the first round of fall competition hosted on DeSales’ campus since 2019 in partnership with Special Olympics Pennsylvania.

“Preparing for the Polar Plunge and Special Olympics has become one of the most meaningful experiences of my time at DeSales University,” said Preston DeGrazia ’28, event director. “This event is so much more than taking a cold dip in the water; it is a powerful demonstration of our community’s heart and commitment to inclusion.”

While Special Olympics is one of the largest events on DeSales’ campus with nearly 1,000 athlete participants, its impact stretches far beyond a single day. The partnership between DeSales and Special Olympics Pennsylvania reflects the University’s deep commitment to service and inclusion with values grounded in the Salesian tradition.

“Every dollar raised through the Polar Plunge goes directly to Special Olympics athletes, ensuring they compete with pride and experience the pure joy of competition. Through the Polar Plunge, we put our Salesian values into action, rallying as a community around a mission that extends far beyond our campus,” DeGrazia said.

Founded with the mission of our patron, St. Francis de Sales, DeSales University emphasizes living a life of faith expressed through action. The Polar Plunge and Special Olympics provide visible and meaningful ways for students to embody that mission.

“We are thrilled to host these important events on campus to further deepen our commitment to Special Olympics Pennsylvania,” said Jaime Gerhart, executive director of community service and advocacy and center for faith and justice/multicultural life. “Partnering with Special Olympics is a core tenet of our University mission and Catholic teaching in celebrating and honoring the dignity of life and ‘to be who you are and be that well.’”

These events most closely reflect two of the university’s core values: gentleness and hospitality. Gentleness is expressed in the care, respect, and encouragement shown to Special Olympics athletes. The partnership fosters an environment where every individual is valued and respected.

“I feel there is no better example of gentleness than DeSales Special Olympics,” said Nina Harf ’28, event director. “I have seen firsthand how every volunteer makes an effort to be patient and provide respect and dignity to each athlete. The core value of gentleness is the most important DSU value when working with Special Olympics, and I am proud to say our student body has done an exceptional job embodying this value toward attendees at the Eastern Fall Sectional.”

Hospitality is offered by welcoming hundreds of athletes and their families to campus and ensuring they feel supported and comfortable. “DeSales takes great consideration in showing hospitality to everyone attending,” Nina explained. “One of the ways we do this is through our Local Program Hosts (LPH). LPHs are designated volunteers who welcome, guide, and cheer on each county.”

Special Olympics is a global movement dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports, leadership, and community engagement. By working in collaboration with Special Olympics Pennsylvania, DeSales students help advance a cause that promotes pride, confidence, and opportunity for these athletes statewide.

For many students, involvement in the Polar Plunge and Special Olympics becomes more than just event planning. It opens the doors to experience leadership, volunteerism, and long-term engagement with the Special Olympics community. It also provides a deeper understanding of what it means to serve others in ways that are both joyful and transformative.

As the momentum of Polar Plunge and Special Olympics continues to grow each year, it stands as a testament to what can happen when faith, service, and community come together. At DeSales University, jumping into freezing water may last only a few seconds but the impact echoes far beyond the plunge.