2/23/2001
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Committed to serving students with disabilities, the Michigan State University Tower Guard will host a 5K "run, walk and roll" to benefit the MSU Resource Center for Persons with Disabilities (RCPD) on Saturday, March 17.
Carl Oliver from Bloomfield Hills is president of the Tower Guard Honor Society and is counting on the first St. Patrick's Day Shamrock run to become an annual charity event.
"We are making sure that the RCPD gets everything it can out of this run," economics sophomore Oliver said. "Our goal is to raise $10,000 and an awareness of our organizations."
The RCPD was created in 1971 to give equal access to an MSU education for all students. Working with the Tower Guard's approximately 70 members, the center assists mobility and visually disabled students and employees, as well as providing services for the deaf, those with learning disabilities, brain injuries and various chronic health conditions.
Tower Guard is a service society made up of sophomore honor students chosen for their leadership skills, character and academic excellence. The students read textbooks onto audiotape four hours per week for students with reading impairments. In addition, the students must raise $80 and participate in two volunteer projects.
"People who could not otherwise read or do math homework, can because of us," said Oliver. "People who wouldn't have a chance to go to college, are pursuing doctoral degrees because of the service we provide."
Steve Migliore, Tower Guard public relations officer, said the club has expanded his definition of diversity and made him realize the challenges people face. He hopes the race will bring together students and community members to understand and support the services the center and Tower Guard provide.
"Students and community members should run to show goodwill towards their fellow student and human being," said Migliore, a supply chain management major from Farmington Hills. "For parents this race is a mentoring opportunity for their kids, as well as the beginning of a tradition."
Area businesses sponsoring the race include The Pita Pit, Student Book Store and Powerhouse Gym.
Those interested in participating in the race may pickup applications at Bessey Hall, at sponsor businesses and upon request. A printable version of the registration form is on-line at www.msu.edu/~towergrd.
"Anyone can participate in the race," said Oliver. "People with disabilities are welcome as the course is wheelchair accessible and runners will be there to assist people with other disabilities."
Race day Registration begins on at 9 a.m. at Beaumont Tower on the MSU campus. The run starts at 10:30 a.m. Entry in the race is $15 if postmarked before March 8; $18 for late registration and $20 on race day. The cost includes a T-shirt. Prizes will be awarded to the top three male and female runners in each category and to the overall male and female winner.
The course starts and ends at Beaumont Tower. All profits will benefit the RCPD.
"Ten years from now we hope to see this race promote the growth and recognition of the center and the services we provide," Migliore said.
Tower Guard also needs volunteers to distribute food and beverages before and after the race and race sponsors. To get involved, contact Steve Migliore, Shamrock Hotline, at (517) 353-2853 or e-mail the Tower Guard at towergrd@msu.edu.