Campus Community Rallies in Support
of Students at Chancellor’s Challenge 5K Run/Walk
First “Chancellor’s Champion” Competition
Heats Up Between Students, Faculty, Staff and Alumni

Jade Berggren | Oct. 15, 2007

Participants in 2006 Chancellor's Challenge 5K Run/Walk for Scholars.

“On your mark. Get set. Go!” In what is now a twelve-year tradition, UC San Diego students, staff, faculty, alumni and friends will again hear these words as they join forces to raise funds for undergraduate scholarships as part of the 12th Annual Chancellor’s Challenge 5K Run/Walk for Scholars on October 26.

New this year is the “Chancellor’s Champion” contest, in which students, faculty, staff and alumni will race against each other in a friendly competition. Each group has selected a representative runner to compete for the coveted title of “Chancellor’s Champion.” The winning designee will receive a roaming award to be displayed on campus, as well as a $500 award to benefit the group he or she represents. The student body will be represented by Kenneth Wong ’10, Allan Timmermann will run on behalf of the UCSD faculty, Sam Corbett is the designee for the university staff and Michael Gerbman ’05 will compete for UC San Diego alumni.

Chancellor Marye Anne Fox will lead the challenge for the 5K Run/Walk for Scholars, which last year raised $231,349; more than $1.7 million has been generated from the event since 1996 to fund scholarships. This year, the event will feature special recognition and thanks to UC San Diego faculty and staff who have so generously given to undergraduate student scholarships.

“The event’s broad participation each year illustrates how deeply committed the entire UCSD community and our friends are to providing access to education for motivated students through scholarships,” noted Fox.

In support of UCSD students, Fox will add $5,000 for every $50,000 raised as part of the Chancellor’s Challenge 5K, and will match new and increased gifts with discretionary funds up to $40,000. In addition, for the first 500 students registered, Fox will personally match their $10 registration fee to double the contribution to scholarships.

The Chancellor’s Challenge 5K Run/Walk for Scholars will start at 12:15 p.m. from the North Campus Field, adjacent to RIMAC, and continue on a course that weaves through the UCSD campus. Participants may run or walk the 5K course. To register, access payroll deduction forms to support scholarships, and for more information on the event, please visit www.ucsd.edu/5k.

Meet our UC San Diego Chancellor’s Champions

Sam Corbett
Staff Member

Sam Corbett works as assistant director in Transportation and Parking Services, overseeing parking at both UCSD Medical Center campuses, as well as the campus Rideshare office. Since he began running five years ago, he has participated in numerous marathons including the Boston Marathon. His goal is to finish the Chancellor’s Challenge 5K course in less than 19 minutes this year. 

“The Chancellors Challenge 5K is a great opportunity to contribute to undergraduate scholarships at UCSD, plus it’s a whole lot of fun!”

 

Michael Gebman ‘06
Alumnus

After receiving his Ph.D. from UC San Diego, Michael Gebman continued his work as a post-doctoral researcher in the university’s department of structural engineering, testing a new pier design for the United States Navy. A regular participant in the Chancellor’s Challenge 5K, Gebman will try to beat his time from last year’s race.

“This will be the fourth time that I have run the Chancellors Challenge 5K to raise funds for undergraduate scholarships.”

 

Allan Timmermann
Faculty Member

A faculty member in the UC San Diego department of economics since 1994, Allan Timmermann also teaches at the Rady School of Management. Running since he was 14 years old, Timmermann hopes to beat his previous time in the Chancellor’s Challenge 5K, when he finished first in the faculty division.

“The Chancellor’s Challenge 5K is an entertaining event, a challenging and beautiful course, and the idea of supporting student scholarship is great.”

 

Kenneth Wong ’10
Student

Running on behalf the student body is Kenneth Wong ’10, a Warren College student majoring in Microbiology and Third World Studies.  Wong ran in cross country and track throughout high school and hopes to finish in about 18:30. 

“I’m participating in the Chancellor’s Challenge 5K because scholarships helped to make UCSD affordable and the best option for me. At the race, I look forward to seeing the many community members who support undergraduate academics and future scholars.”