Upper Iowa University News

	Upper Iowa University News \| Press Kit

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Upper Iowa University thinks “outside of the box” to raise money for scholarships

FAYETTE, IOWA (June 2, 2006) – For the second straight year, Upper Iowa University President Alan Walker will lead the charge to raise money for student scholarships. In July, Walker will accompany Team Peacock 444 miles across Iowa during the 2006 RAGBRAI to raise $35,000 toward UIU’s general scholarship fund. Students from UIU’s residential and extended campuses will benefit from the fund.

“This ride provides our students with financial support in the form of scholarships that are funded by pledges made to members of Team Peacock, and to the team as a whole, so that more deserving students can afford to go to college,” said Walker. “It’s about reducing the significant student loan debt many students start their lives with once they graduate. That’s what this is really about.”

Last year, Team Peacock raised a total of $17,000 in scholarship monies with a first-time team of seven persons participating in the ride. This year, 20 individuals have signed on to ride for Team Peacock so the overall fundraising goal was increased to $35,000. The team is made up of faculty, staff, students, alum, and friends of the university from as far away as Alaska, Washington State, Missouri, and Washington, DC.

“Some may think Upper Iowa’s participation in RAGBRAI is about the love of riding bicycles long distance, being a part of the quintessential Iowa experience, or maybe just recreation, fitness or the challenge,” said Walker. “What it’s really about is helping our students.”

Adding to the excitement, UIU will unite with Rock 108 (107.9 FM) out of Waterloo to promote the event. Rock 108 will follow Team Peacock the entire week, giving listeners daily updates on its morning broadcast. A free picnic is also being planned to kick off the event on Saturday, July 15, at Klock’s Island Park in Fayette, where Rock 108 will broadcast live at the outdoor affair.

To find out more about UIU’s RAGBRAI scholarship fundraiser or to make a donation, call Cindy Carpenter at 1-800-553-4150 or go to www.uiu.edu/teampeacock.

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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During a recent training session at Volga State Park, 17 individuals participating in the exercise stopped to pose for this Upper Iowa University RAGBRAI Team Peacock photo. Team Peacock will ride the 2006 RAGBRAI to raise money for scholarships through pledges and donations. This year’s overall scholarship fundraising goal is $35,000. Team Peacock is made up of faculty, staff, students, alum, and friends of the university from as far away as Alaska, Washington State, Missouri, and Washington, DC.

Go to Press Kit for 300 d.p.i. downloadable image.

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