Campus Community
Posted: Thursday, March 5, 2009Bengal 5K Enters 12th Year
By Jerod Dahlgren
The Buffalo State Alumni Association will host its 12th annual Bengal 5K Run and Fun Walk on Saturday, March 14. Race proceeds benefit the Alumni Association’s Legacy Scholarship fund. Legacy Scholarships are awarded annually to deserving students who are the children or grandchildren of Buffalo State graduates.
“We raised more than $8,800 for the Legacy Scholarship Fund in 2008,” said Jennifer Small, race director and assistant director of alumni affairs. “We are grateful for the continued support of not only our outside participants, but the campus community as well.”
Last year, more than 700 people ran, walked, or volunteered, setting a record for the number of participants. A total of 146 volunteered for the event, with students making up more than 50 percent of the volunteer base.
“We had a tremendous turnout last year,” said Small, who has served as race director for the event for seven years. “It was especially encouraging to see so many students volunteering.” Among the student groups lending a hand in 2008 were Phi Beta Sigma, the Graduate Association of Student Personnel Administrators, Residence Life staff, the Caribbean Students Organization, United Students Government, Tau Kappa Epsilon, and Alpha Phi Alpha.
Participants are encouraged to register by March 11 to save on entry fees. Faculty and staff may also save by signing up as members of teams of 10. Last year, the Counseling Center, Residence Life, and Weigel Health Center fielded teams. The first 500 registrants will receive a custom-made winter knit cap.
Steve Barber, ’97, news reporter at WKBW-TV, will shoot the starting gun at 9:30 a.m. and participate in the race with his wife. “Steve will be pulling double duty this year—a first for Bengal 5K race starters,” said Small. Chris Parker, ’94, cohost of WGR-AM 550 sports radio’s afternoon show, will serve as master of ceremonies at the popular post-race Bengal Brunch, which is free for participants and $5 for family and friends watching the race. The brunch features door prizes, food, beverages, music, and an awards ceremony.
For the third consecutive year, the Bengal 5K serves as the second leg of the Queen City Triple Crown, which includes the Chilly Challenge (February 22), staged by Canisius High School, and Canisius College’s Shoes for the Shelter (March 29).
To run, walk, or volunteer, please call Small at 878-6001 or visit the Alumni Affairs Web site.
