Inaugural Bison Boogie 5K raises money for IDEAL scholarship fund
Lacey Klotz |
“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize.” – 1 Corinthians 9:24
On Saturday, Oct. 22, Lipscomb University’s Igniting the Dream of Education and Access at Lipscomb (IDEAL) program, in conjunction with Campus Recreation and the Student Government Association, held its inaugural Bison Boogie 5K to raise money for the program’s scholarship fund.
Nearly 100 runners and 50 volunteers participated in the 5K event which raised $1,275 to help students with intellectual disabilities pursue a college education at Lipscomb University.
The 5K-race course was plotted by Kelly Blankenship, IDEAL program coordinator and active runner, and consisted of two large laps around Lipscomb’s campus.
Current IDEAL students Bo Hoskins and Jason Rogersboth also participated in the preparation process by presenting the vision of the Bison Boogie to the SGA in order to secure additional funding.
"I think the race was a great success; we raised over $1,000 for the IDEAL scholarship fund and had a great turn-out from participants, supporters and volunteers alike,” said Blankenship. “We couldn't have had the outcome we did without the support of our IDEAL community and of everyone involved. We are so grateful to everyone who decided to spend their Saturday morning with us!"
The costume-themed race began and ended at the Allen Arena Circle, and an awards ceremony was held at the Allen Bell Tower immediately following the race. Prizes were awarded to the first male and female finisher, as well as for the best-dressed participant. Enrique Serna, was the first male to cross the finish line with a time of 16:38, and Courtney Nowell was the first female to finish, with a time of 23:53.
Students from the nursing department also volunteered at the first-aid booth in case of any emergency at the event.
Lipscomb’s Campus Recreation has had a long-standing partnership with IDEAL through its internship program, and Kyle Dickerson, director of Lipscomb’s Campus Recreation, said he was grateful for how the mission of IDEAL was celebrated through community involvement.
"The support from the community was remarkable - from racers to food to volunteers, the local community really rallied around this unknown event," said Dickerson. "There was more excitement about the mission of IDEAL, the students and the amount raised for the scholarship fund than there was about actually running - that was a cool moment."
The IDEAL program plans to make the Bison Boogie 5K an annual event, and Josh Roberts, dean of student development, says he knows why.
"The first ever Bison Boogie exceeded every expectation and it set the foundation for quickly becoming one of the most beloved events on our fall calendar,” said Roberts.
Housed in the College of Education, the IDEAL program is a two-year non-residential certificate program that provides education and career development to students with intellectual disabilities. The program also encourages friendships and increased independent skills that will help lead to a better quality of life for each student.
For more information on Lipscomb’s IDEAL program, visit: lipscomb.edu/ideal.
- Photos by Meagan Jordan