Indiana University

Skip to:

  1. Search
  2. Breadcrumb Navigation
  3. Content
  4. Browse by Topic
  5. Services & Resources
  6. Additional Resources
  7. Multimedia News

Media Contacts

George Vlahakis
IU Media Relations
gvlahaki@indiana.edu
812-855-0846

Ryan Risse
IU Circle of Life
president@iumini.com
812-719-0350 (cell)

Kathy Schoettlin
Old National Bancorp
Kathy.Schoettlin@oldnational.com
812-465-7269

Brian Marks
IU Circle of Life Public Relations
publicrelations@iumini.com
513-518-6171 (cell)

Last modified: Thursday, May 10, 2007

Old National Bank continues as title sponsor of IU Circle of Life's mini marathon

Student-led effort creating scholarships for cancer survivors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 10, 2007

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- IU Circle of Life, an Indiana University student philanthropic organization which organizes a mini marathon on the Bloomington campus, announced today (May 10) that Evansville-based Old National Bank will continue as the event's title sponsor.

The race, the Circle of Life IU Mini Marathon presented by Old National Bank, will take place on Sept. 8. The event was launched last fall to raise money to create the Bill Z. Littlefield Scholarship for Survivors. The scholarship, named for a Kelley School of Business faculty member who died in 2005 from cancer, will enable a cancer survivor to attend one of IU's eight campuses once enough money is raised to endow it. Last year's race netted $60,000.

"Everyone at Old National is extremely excited to partner with this great organization. We have confidence that this year's IU mini marathon will be even more successful than last year's," said Old National Bank Region President Chris Kroll. "As a community bank, we appreciate the opportunity to tie so closely with Indiana University and the fine students at the Kelley School of Business. Our associates are already training for the run."

IU Circle of Life President and Chief Executive Officer Ryan Risse added, "Circle of Life is very grateful to be working with Old National Bank again. They were an integral part of the success of our first race. The time that they put into our event is unimaginable, and we are looking forward to continuing our great relationship."

Headquartered in Evansville, Ind., Old National Bancorp owns multiple financial service operations in Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. With assets at $8.3 billion, Old National Bancorp is the largest financial holding company headquartered in Indiana.

IU Mini Marathon

Photo by: Hillary Demmon

The 2006 IU Mini Marathon was a huge success, netting $60,000

Print-Quality Photo

The 13.1-mile run is one of the largest running events in southern Indiana and the state's first collegiate-hosted mini marathon. Runners will compete on a road route taking them through the IU Bloomington campus. The route has been officially certified and sanctioned by the USA Track and Field Association. In addition to the mini marathon, organizers will again hold a 5K run.

In addition, IU Circle of Life announced the launch of its new Web site created by Americaneagle.com, which designs sites for Fortune 500 companies and professional sports teams. The site -- which retains the domain name of www.iumini.com -- has new features such as Aunt Kay's Corner, a place where cancer survivors can post their stories. Aunt Kay's Corner is named after the aunt of Circle of Life co-founder Myles Grote, who recently lost her battle with cancer.

"Our organization is very proud of the new Web site. We believe it incorporates a special balance by recognizing our contributors and sponsors, inviting new participants to attend the race, and ultimately supporting the cause that is the pillar of our philanthropy," Risse said.

On May 16, Grote will join the Lance Armstrong Foundation in Washington, D.C., on Capitol Hill to demand that national leaders invest in resources, treatment and services for people affected by cancer. LAF selected Myles Grote as one of 200 advocates to participate in LIVESTRONG Day, the LAF's grassroots advocacy initiative to unite people affected by cancer and raise awareness about cancer issues.

Circle of Life will also conduct its second annual Greek Challenge. The Greek Challenge is a creative concept that encourages and engages IU's fraternities and sororities through social and spirit events and fundraising. The Greek Challenge consists of four elements: house fundraising, race participation, race winner and race day spirit. The winning fraternity/sorority pair will win a $6,000 cash prize, up from last year's $5,000 prize.

A scholarship account has been established at the IU Foundation. Planners hope that once the scholarship is endowed, annual proceeds of the event will be able to support other charitable causes. Contributions can be sent to the IU Foundation at P.O. Box 500, Bloomington, IN, 47402; made by phone at 812-855-5776; or made online at https://iufoundation.iu.edu (specify the name of the account: Circle of Life/Bill Littlefield Scholarship).