On the eve of perhaps the biggest rivalry football game in the country – Michigan State University vs. University of Michigan – the schools are issuing an off-field challenge: Which university will raise more funds and awareness for student disability services?
At 6:30 a.m. Friday, a team of ROTC cadets from the Spartan Battalion and the Wolverine Battalion will join Playmakers ultra marathon runner Michael Richmond for “Alex’s Great State Race,” a 64-mile run from the Big House in Ann Arbor to Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. They’ll arrive at Demonstration Hall field around 3:30 p.m.
The race is an effort to raise awareness and funds for MSU’s Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities and U-M’s Services for Students with Disabilities, in memory of MSU student Alex Powell, who died May 8, 2011, from cancer.
Spartan and Wolverine fans can donate to the cause through “Alex’s Great State Race” website. Funds will support MSU's center or U-M's center, depending on the inclination of the giver. To date, MSU has exceeded its goal of $10,000.
Last year, 1,532 students with permanent disabilities received services from RCPD with 94 additional students receiving services for temporary conditions. It serves about 15 students annually for cancer-related issues, and in 2010, Powell was one of them.
He was a diehard Spartan fan whose dream was to attend MSU. But during Powell’s senior year of high school, he was diagnosed with a rare, aggressive form of cancer. He never finished his freshman year at MSU.
Juliana and Steve Powell, Alex’s parents, first sought advice from RCPD in August 2010. Facing harsh rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, they knew their son’s Spartan journey would be a struggle.
A comprehensive needs assessment allowed the center’s staff to understand Powell’s needs, develop accommodation strategies and help Powell communicate his needs to each of his professors. In addition, academic advisers helped identify optimal courses for Powell’s increasingly fragile health needs.
“The impact MSU’s Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities has on the lives of students with disabilities is profound,” said Juliana Powell, who organized the event. “We have observed and experienced the difference it makes in the students it serves. All Spartans can be proud of the commitment and excellence of the staff to help students obtain success through academics that otherwise might not be achieved.”
And that’s why the Powells want to help with the new annual tradition, “Alex’s Great State Race.”
The title sponsor of the race is Dean Trailways, which donated a deluxe motor coach that will follow runners along the course, providing restrooms and other accommodations.
“We can all reach a little further knowing that MSU is there for people during their toughest challenges,” said Michael Hudson, director of RCPD. “We remain faithful to the MSU traditions of quality, inclusiveness and connectivity because this is essential for each of us to reach our fullest potential. We are heartened to know that Alex fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming a Spartan – the closeness of the MSU and Powell families brings joy to our work.”
Members of the general public are encouraged to welcome runners at the North End Zone finish line, or may cheer them on at various points along the route. People may also follow “Alex’s Great State Race” via Twitter using #Run4RCPD.
Media wishing to follow the runners may contact MSU Media Communications for route information.