VCU gathers for 5th annual Walk-A-Thon

By Colleen Flynn
VCU Communications and Public Relations

Members from the VCU and Richmond communities recently gathered for the 5th Annual Staff Senate walk-a-thon to benefit the Virginia’s Caring University Scholarship.

This year 300 people attended the event and raised more than $9,000, making it the most successful walk-a-thon to date.

“Our number one reason for this event is for our kids – the students, so that they can continue their education here at VCU,” said Marquita Aguilar, activities and events chair for the VCU Staff Senate. “But it’s also about community engagement, the staff and the community coming together for a cause. It’s wonderful.”

The event kicked off with welcoming remarks from VCU Staff Senate President Tammy L. Berwanger and VCU President Dr. Eugene Trani. The Staff Senate also presented Dr. Trani, who is retiring in June, with a clock commemorating his service to VCU and the walk-a-thon. In addition, Dr. Laura Moriarty, professor and vice provost for academic and faculty affairs was present on behalf of Dr. Stephen D. Gottfredson, provost and vice president for academic affairs.

Eric West, associate professor, VCU Recreational Sports, led participants in an aerobic warm-up in the Student Commons followed by a 1.06 mile walk – roughly two laps around Monroe Park.

“I do it to support the scholarship fund, for the exercise and because it’s just fun,” said Diane Latney, a library assistant at James Branch Cabell Library, and a walk-a-thon participant for the past five years.

Following the walk, participants returned to the commons to enjoy lunch, to visit with vendors and sponsors and to see if they won various door prizes, which included gift certificates for massages, hotel stays, dinners at various restaurants, flower arrangements, gym memberships and a vacation package with a choice of destinations.

The scholarship has assisted 22 students in the past four years. Scholarship recipients are rising juniors or seniors with a GPA of at least 2.7 who have demonstrated a need for financial aid and have past or current community service.

“It’s a great walk for a great cause,” said Carol Mawyer, assistant director for Student Services and Scholastic Journalism in the School of Mass Communications.

The Staff Senate will convene next month to review scholarship applicants. Recipients of the Virginia’s Caring University Scholarship will be notified in June.

Sponsors for the event included VCU Recreational Sports, VCU Athletics, American Family Fitness, Barnes and Noble Bookstore, Virginia Book Company, Target, Sam’s Club, Stuffy’s Subs, Call Federal Credit Union, The Jefferson Hotel, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Doubletree Hotel, Holiday Inn Express Downtown, Chick-fil-A, Great Foods To Go, Ribbons & Rolls, Wythken Printing, Virginia Credit Union, VCU Foundation, Daniel Development Group, The Cheesecake Factory, Qdoba Mexican Grill, The Tobacco Company, Sine’ Irish Pub & Restaurant, Barksdale Theater, Bed, Bath & Beyond, Artistic Designs by Sue, The Supply Room Cos., Richmond Kickers Soccer Club and the VCU School of Engineering Foundation.