Indiana college gives pizza deliverer $1,200 tip

MARION, IN -- A pizza delivery driver has a lot to show for a run to Indiana Wesleyan University.

When James Gilpin brought two pizzas costing $12.50 to the university's chapel Wednesday, he was given a $1,268 tip collected by students.

The speaker, Keith Newman, CEO of Residential Education, wanted to physically involve someone in the topic of the day: "Do for one, what you wish you could do for everyone." Newman said he heard a pastor teach that saying and wanted to pass it on to the students.

"They pulled me out on stage, and the gentleman started talking to me for a couple minutes and then he announced that he had $1,248.86 for me. Everybody was cheering," Gilpin told ABC News. "At the time I didn't know what to think; it didn't sink in until about two hours afterwards."

While Gilpin was on his way to deliver the pizzas, Newman had asked the room full of students and faculty to donate any money they wanted as a tip and also write a note of encouragement on a slip of paper they received when they walked in.

Gilpin tells WRTV he'll use the money to help with Christmas gifts for his two children. He says he's already been inspired by the students' notes.

The Associated Press and ABC News contributed to this report.