UDC Student Leaders, Cross Country and Track Programs Walk for a Good Cause

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This past Saturday the UDC Student Athlete Advisory Council (S.A.A.C.) along with the Cross Country and Track programs participated in the American Heart Association's 2009 Start! Greater Washington Heart Walk. Student athletes walked the 2.9-mile muddy loop around the National Mall, braving cold temperatures to raise funds and awareness in the fight against the nation's No. 1 and No. 3 killers-heart disease and stroke.

They joined a large gathering of other members of UDC community. "Saturday really exemplified the Firebird spirit of giving", UDC Director of Athletics Pat Thomas said.    

UDC took first place for donations and participants, raising over four thousand dollars for the one-day event.  Overall, the entire affair took in over a million dollars of donations.

"We are proud of our student athletes for donating their time and efforts," Thomas stated, "Associate Director for Academic Support/Senior Woman Administrator  Jennifer Ziarko, S.A.A.C. and the Cross Country & Track programs [led by Coach Jasmine Rogers, who also participated in the walk] set the tone for continued service and outreach in our community". 

S.A.A.C. and the supporting teams look forward to a year of sustained community service and leadership.