Last modified: Thursday, April 12, 2007
IU Circle of Life changes mini-marathon date to Sept. 8
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
April 12, 2007
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- IU Circle of Life, a not-for-profit philanthropy organized by Indiana University students, announced today (April 12) that the date for its second mini marathon has been changed to Sept. 8.
The Circle of Life IU Mini Marathon was launched last year 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.
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.
"Because the new race date is closer to Welcome Week -- a time where Indiana University welcomes new and old students alike back to the Bloomington campus -- we believe this will only add to the unique environment that our race is able to provide runners," said Ryan Risse, incoming chief executive officer .
Risse, a junior from Tell City, Ind., who is majoring in marketing at the Kelley School of Business, is one of three new incoming executive council members. As Circle of Life's former advertising director, Risse will be replacing graduating senior and co-founder of Circle of Life, Kevin MacCauley. Risse has been involved in numerous student organizations but says, "Circle of Life has given me a renewed passion for helping others."
Other officer transitions include Ramesh Meanger moving from marketing vice president to chief financial officer, and Randy Gilley going from human resources vice president to chief operating officer.
Referring to the changes taking place within the organization, MacCauley said, "The future success of the Indiana University Circle of Life is in the hands of strong and capable leaders, who are dedicated to ensuring that our mission is consistent with the pillars on which the organization was founded. On behalf of the founding executives, we are proud and excited to see such amazing people develop a core set of business skills that will serve as an invaluable platform for years to come in executing the annual Indiana University Circle of Life Mini Marathon."
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).
