Upper Iowa University News

	Upper Iowa University News \| Press Kit

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Upper Iowa University weathers the rain to raise money for March of Dimes WalkAmerica

FAYETTE, IOWA (May 1, 2006) – Upper Iowa University students and staff were not deterred by rainy weather Saturday, April 29 for the 6.1-mile WalkAmerica in Decorah. Although it probably attributed to a lower turnout of walkers than in past years, $35,000 was still raised toward this year’s overall WalkAmerica goal.

Contributions from Upper Iowa students, faculty and staff totaled $3,300. Additional fundraising activities included a blue-jeans flea market sale and a pay-$5-to-wear-jeans-on-Friday promotion that alone raised $545.

According to Brett DeVore, northeast Iowa March of Dimes WalkAmerica coordinator and UIU logo store manager, “I am thrilled by Upper Iowa’s participation in this event to bring both awareness and funds to the March of Dimes campaign to help win the fight against premature babies and birth defects.” DeVore added, “The support was tremendous from UIU and shows our students and staff are truly committed to the community.”

The walk traditionally begins and ends at Decorah High School and includes a post-walk drawing and pizza from Mabes. Fred Carlson was the team that raised the most money, with donations totaling $9,700. Their reward was a 3-foot party sub from Subway. Penny Allen was the individual walker who raised the most money, winning a 20-inch color TV donated by Sims.

Each year, more than 20,000 teams participate in WalkAmerica across the nation to help the March of Dimes fund vital, cutting-edge research to solve the problems of premature babies, birth defects and low-birth weight. Major sponsors of the 2006 northeast Iowa MOD WalkAmerica included Bank of the West, Fred Carlson Co., Gunderson Lutheran, KDEC 100.5 FM, Textron, Upper Iowa University and Wal-Mart.

To find out more about the 2006 March of Dimes WalkAmerica campaign or to make a contribution, go to www.walkamerica.org.

About Upper Iowa University

Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing educational excellence and leadership development to approximately 6,000 students – both nationally and internationally -- at our traditional campus in picturesque Fayette, Iowa; through our various online degree programs; at our U.S. centers; via our correspondence program; and at our international centers in Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia and Vancouver. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in the delivery of accredited, quality education and is proud of its diverse range of student populations and progressive, flexible options for traditional and non-traditional students of all ages. To learn more about Upper Iowa University, its degree programs, locations and renowned scholars, please visit us at www.uiu.edu.

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Upper Iowa University students and staff were not deterred by the rainy weather Saturday, April 29 for the 6.1-mile walk in Decorah to raise money for the March of Dimes WalkAmerica campaign.Pictured front row ( l to r): Sarah Sumontha, Kara Hanson, Crystal Johnson, Rex Huinker and Ruth Jenkin, the 2006 NE IA MOD host family, Mary Wilbur, and Heidi Laitinen. Back row (l to r): Jennifer Biedermann, LaToya Reed, Kari Solheim, Jen Burnett,Claire Worby, Sarah Hiatt, Wendy Schutte, Pam Humphrey, Brett DeVore, and Kathy Guyer.

Brett DeVore, northeast Iowa MOD WalkAmerica coordinator and UIU Logo Store manager, hands out t-shirts to walkers for the 2006 March of Dimes WalkAmerica held in Decorah, Saturday, April 29. A solid $35,000 was raised toward this year’s goal of $37,000.

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Upper Iowa University
Public Relations
Sheila Miller, Director
563-425-5326
millers@uiu.edu

Upper Iowa University
Public Relations
P.O. Box 1859
Fayette, IA 52142-1859