After years of dreaming and planning, Dr. Mallory Knipe (MSW Program Director and Chair of Social Work Programing) and her colleague, Emily Miller, have officially launched a 501(c)3 charitable organization called Aidmiration. Aidmiration is a nonprofit organization that harnesses the enthusiasm for humanist philosophies in popular media to promote philanthropy through celebration and community. By curating accessible information and elevating charity projects supported by artists and talent at fandom conventions, the organization empowers individuals to engage with causes they care about, fostering awareness, collective action, and meaningful pathways for charitable engagement.
Dr. Knipe became involved in the Star Trek convention circuit in 2021, after publishing a research study that examined the impacts of a social-emotional support group started by Trek actor Alexander Siddig for members of his fanbase that were experiencing isolation during the Covid-19 quarantine. While Aidmiration will target a variety of pop culture conventions, their first event will be Star Trek Las Vegas 2026 (Trek’s 60th anniversary convention) in August.
According to Dr. Knipe, the vision of Aidmiration is a future where the inspiration of humanist visionaries and the energy of fandom communities are focused toward giving and service—transforming conventions and community gatherings into hubs of public education and social good, where people easily connect with charitable causes aligned with their values and collaborate to create meaningful, lasting impact.
