Registration Open for Oct. 21 Chancellor’s Challenge 5K Run/Walk for Scholars
Campus tradition has raised more than $2.5 million to benefit 850 students
2010 Chancellor’s Challenge 5K Run/Walk for Scholars
The University of California, San Diego campus community will unite Friday, Oct. 21 to support student scholarships as part of the 16th annual Chancellor’s Challenge 5K Run/Walk for Scholars. Led by Chancellor Marye Anne Fox, the event is a campus tradition that has raised $2.5 million for undergraduate scholarships since it was established in 1996, benefiting 850 ambitious and motivated students UC San Diego.
“The Chancellor’s Challenge 5K is an incredible demonstration of the campus community’s commitment to support our students,” said Chancellor Marye Anne Fox. “Scholarships are critical for ensuring that all deserving students have access to a world-class UC San Diego education.”
Leading the challenge for student scholarships, Fox will add $5,000 for every $50,000 raised, and will match new and increased gifts with discretionary funds up to $40,000. All proceeds from the event directly benefit UC San Diego students like Peggy Ip, a second year student majoring in environmental engineering.
“The scholarship support that I have received has helped me so much,” said Ip. “Rather than having to get a part-time job, I’ve been able to concentrate on my studies. The support has also inspired me to give back and do something for others. I’ve gotten involved with a campus engineering organization that is focused on community service—locally and abroad.”
Ip is a member of the UC San Diego chapter of Engineers for a Sustainable World. She is currently leading a project to develop cost-effective and sustainable systems that provide reliable sources of clean water and energy to rural villages in Northern Thailand. According to Ip, she would not have been able to participate in the worthwhile project had it not been for scholarship support.
Upon graduation, Ip plans to pursue a career in engineering focused on the environment. She is interested in using her training in engineering to develop more renewable energy sources and protect the Earth’s water sources.
Chancellor Marye Anne Fox will lead the event to raise scholarships for undergraduate students. Photo/Erik Jepsen
Ip will share her story with attendees at the Chancellor’s Challenge 5K, thanking donors who helped make her scholarship possible. In addition to scholarship recipients, student fundraisers—members of the UC San Diego Student Foundation—will be at the event to provide information on the value of student support. The first of its kind in the University of California system, the Student Foundation promotes a culture of philanthropy by teaching fellow students how to invest, fundraise and manage an endowment, all in the name of student scholarships.
Chancellor’s Challenge 5K participants will receive a 2011 5K T-shirt. Underscoring the longstanding tradition of the event, a contest will be held for the oldest Chancellor’s Challenge 5K T-shirt worn to the event. The Chancellor’s Challenge 5K was established 16 years ago by then Chancellor Robert Dynes.
The advance fee to participate in the Chancellor’s Challenge 5K is $10 for students, $15 for all others. Day of race registration is $15 for students and $20 for others. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Proceeds from sponsorships, gifts and registration directly benefit undergraduate scholarships at UC San Diego. Gifts to the Chancellor’s Challenge 5K contribute to the $50 million fundraising goal of “Invent the Future: The UC San Diego Student Support Campaign.”
The Oct. 21 race will begin at 12:15 p.m. from the North Campus Field, adjacent to RIMAC, and will continue on a scenic course through the UC San Diego campus. Participants may run or walk the 5K course; lunch and a brief awards presentation will follow. In the event that weather precludes running or walking the course, lunch and T-shirts will still be provided at RIMAC Arena. Volunteers are also needed. Please email pvansise@ucsd.edu if you would like to help.
To ensure that the event is as environmentally sustainable as possible, UC San Diego Health, Recreation and Well-being will provide reusable water bottles. Online gifts and advance registration are encouraged to minimize paper usage.
Sponsors include: Fisher Scientific; Darlene Shiley; Darcy and Robert Bingham; Ann and Bob Dynes; Ann and Joel Reed; UC San Diego Emeriti Association; Elizabeth Van Denburgh, ’78; Andrew and Erna Viterbi; UCSD Alumni; UC San Diego Retirement Association; Pauline Foster; and Robert, ’86, and Amy, ’87, Marren.
To register for the Chancellor’s Challenge 5K or support undergraduate scholarships with an online gift, please visit 5k.ucsd.edu.
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