West Virginia University’s Student Government Association has collaborated with the Center for Civic Engagement as well as the Mountaineer Parent’s Club to hold the 2011 Heart Walk on Saturday (April 9) at 3 p.m. at the Hazel Ruby McQuain Park.

The Student Memorial Scholarship is meant to honor the memory of students who lost their lives while attending WVU. It is given out on a yearly basis to a student who displays an outstanding sense of leadership through a student organization, and is presented to the student at the annual SGA Inauguration ceremony. The scholarship was founded and is sponsored by SGA, and funded by the Heart Walk events as well as other fundraisers.

The event is a 5k run or walk and will begin at the Hazel Ruby McQuain Park and proceed on the Rail Trail. The entry fee is $10 for WVU students and $20 for all other participants. All students, parents and community members are encouraged to attend. Each participant will receive an official WVU Heart Walk t-shirt and pedometer, and be entered into raffles for prizes from local businesses. WVU students will also be rewarded community service hours for their participation.

Taylor Richmond, senior political science major and student chair of the event, says the event has been successful in the past, and the registration fees of just 50 students supports one year’s scholarship.

“I’m very excited about this year’s walk since we have built a great partnership with the Center for Civic Engagement and the Parents Club this year, and we’re looking to build onto that with the help of Greek life, student organizations and the dorm residents,” Richmond said. “I’m looking forward to a large event to bring awareness to this cause.”

Richmond said his interest in this cause is special because of losing his cousin, a WVU freshman at the time, to a car accident outside of the Coliseum.

“Being the chair of this event helps me to give back to his memory as well as the memory of all other students who have lost their lives here at WVU,” Richmond said.

Every dollar raised through participation fees goes directly to the scholarship, Richmond said.

“In past years, the walk has been very successful from gathering lots of participation from student organizations, as well as parents and alumni donating directly to the fund,” Richmond said. “Student Organization Services is helping to sponsor us, and we look forward to incorporating students to educate them about the cause.”

To register, visit the following link: http://simpleforms.scripts.wvu.edu/parents/HeartWalk2011/.

-WVU-

mm/04/04/11

CONTACT: Taylor Richmond, Heart Walk
304-228-5918, Taylor.Richmond@mail.wvu.edu