
Members of the community and a Stan State faculty member went “Over the Edge” to empower students to reach new heights during a unique fundraising event where participants rappelled down a building to support literacy.
The event was hosted by LearningQuest, which helps a diverse population of learners meet their needs and achieve their personal and employment-related goals through a wide range of no-cost literacy services. While raising over $125,000, Over the Edge allowed LearningQuest to continue offering all its services for free.
The approximately 100 individuals who participated were each challenged to raise a minimum of $1,000 in donations from family, friends and co-workers. Stan State Professor of Teacher Education Susan Neufeld, who is the coordinator of the master’s in education, curriculum and instruction program is also on LearningQuest’s board of directors. Neufeld sent an email to co-workers stating she would donate the $1,000 registration fee if someone from Stan State would participate. Stan State Assistant Professor of Counselor Education Donnieau Snyder answered her challenge.
“I’ve never done anything like this before,” Snyder said. “You have to overcome your fears, and this was a way of doing that.”
Snyder has a fear of heights, so she faced that fear head-on in honor of her friend Stan State Emeritus Professor of French Michael Fuller, she said.
She described Fuller as a brave spirit who was passionate about literacy, so when Neufeld reached out, it seemed like a moment to let go of her fear.
“I thought of my dear departed best friend who would have sent me over the edge,” Synder said. “He died at the beginning of the pandemic, so we didn’t get a chance to memorialize him.”
The event was held on Oct. 12, the same day as Fuller’s birthday, so for Snyder, it held special meaning because it honored her friend and benefitted a cause he was passionate about.
The idea for this event started when LearningQuest Executive Director Karen Williams applied to be part of Over the Edge. Community Hospice had previously held the event in San Joaquin County, but this was the first time it happened in Stanislaus County.
“This event directly supports our mission to meet students where they are and help them reach their full potential,” Williams said. “Every day, students stand on the edge of possibility.”
She said the funds raised through the event will allow the organization to continue offering all their services free of charge so students can focus on achieving goals and becoming self-reliant.
“We help them earn their GED, learn English, obtain citizenship, improve adult literacy and provide free tutoring for children with dyslexia,” Williams said.
There was no experience or prior training needed to enter. The Over the Edge staff had a team of experts who provided the technical expertise, training and equipment needed so the event provided participants with a chance to rappel down a building in a safe, controlled environment.
The participants came from all walks of life, including city council members, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department, teachers, local business leaders and even Modesto Nuts’ mascot Wally the Walnut.
“It’s a great mix of community members rallying around the cause of literacy,” Williams said.
Williams also rappelled down the building, facing her fears. She said it was nothing compared to what the students have had to do to meet their goals, but it was one way she could show she cares about their challenges. Stan State also showed its support by being a sponsor of the event.
“As the only public, four-year University in Stanislaus and San Joaquin counties, Stan State is proud to sponsor this important event. By investing in literacy and lifelong learning, we’re not just helping individuals improve their reading skills — we’re creating pathways to personal growth, success, and stronger communities,” said Stan State’s Interim Vice President for University Advancement Rosalee Rush.
She added that the commitment at this event aligns with the University’s core mission of transforming lives through education.
According to Synder, education is true freedom. It is something that no one can take away, and she wants to spread it.
“If you don’t stand for something, you stand for nothing,” Snyder said. “The willingness to learn is an act of humility; following through is an act of bravery.”
Snyder said that Neufeld has been a mentor to her, as she is not only an instructor at Stan State and on the board at LearningQuest, but also is the director of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library Turlock affiliation.
Neufeld has been involved with the group for more than 20 years. She also has experience tutoring adults learning to read, so she is involved on both ends of the spectrum.
“It was great to see the community come together to support LearningQuest and its programs through participation in Over the Edge or through donations of services and products at the event,” Neufeld said.
The event took place at 1524 McHenry Avenue, an iconic five-story medical office building commonly known as the Black Glass Building. Funds raised will directly help LearningQuest continue offering free services to those in need. The Over the Edge staff have been running these events for over 20 years.
LearningQuest Development and Communications Director Michelle Jasper is responsible for taking the lead in strumming up support from the community for the event.
“Working within the walls of LearningQuest allows me to witness firsthand our programs' incredible impact on students and their families. I feel truly blessed to be part of such a giving and supportive community,” Jasper said.