JSU Nursing Wants You to Run (or Walk) for Your Life
03/09/2016
The JSU College of Nursing will host its second annual Run/Walk for Your Life 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run on campus April 9 at 8 a.m. Join Cocky, the JSU Pep Band and Greg Burgess from the Rick and Bubba Show at this fun-filled event supporting the education of future nurses.
Now in its second year, the idea for event got started a couple of years ago when Dean Christie Shelton was brainstorming ways to raise scholarship money for nursing students. After proposing the plan to co-worker and running partner Carla Willingham, the two – quite literally – ran with the dream.
“My vision was that we could tout this race as 'the most educational 5K on the planet,’” explained Shelton. “We had students hold up signs along the route with bits of health information on them. The participants seem to really enjoy it.”
After expenses, the 2015 event raised more than $6,800. A $2,000 scholarship was awarded to Andrew Shelton, a 25-year-old nursing major from Oxford (who holds no relation to Dean Shelton despite their shared last name).
“I was completely overjoyed, as the funds were crucial in helping me pay for school,” Andrew said.
The rest of the funds were deposited into the Foundation to support this year’s race. In the future, Shelton said the college hopes to offer scholarships to students in all three of its nursing programs: the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), the RN to BSN program, and the Master of Science in Nursing.
Want to sign up? Registration is now open for the 2016 event. Through April 6, the entry fee is $20 for the general public and $15 for JSU students, faculty, staff and members of the Anniston/Gadsden Runners Club. On race day, registration is $25 for all participants. Those who register by March 25 are guaranteed a race T-shirt. The cost for the 1-mile fun run (t-shirt not included) is $10. For more information or to register, visit www.jsu.edu/nursing.