On Sunday, October 19, 2014 join the Nathan Weiss Graduate College as they host the Nathan Weiss Memorial Cougar Color 5k. Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. and the race starts promptly at 9:00 a.m.

Jeffery Beck Ph.D., professor and dean of the Nathan Weiss Graduate College, explained,“ Dr. Thomas Walsh[assistant professor department of instruction and educational leadership] brought up the idea of a 5k for student scholarships more than a year ago. Several members of our staff and students have participated in color runs and told me about them. Their experiences inspired me to make our fundraiser a color 5k” Walsh went on to say that they did this same run for the first time back in 2008 and had great success. Due to its success, the scholarship-oriented event is scheduled to be an annual event.
“The color is all non-toxic cornstarch, but I’d advise runners to bring a change of clothes and a bag for their colorful clothes. Wear a white t-shirt to show off your color … We hope to have enough money to offer some significant scholarships and to assist student research and travel”, encouraged Beck. All proceeds will support the graduate students scholarships and research in the health sciences, education, and other critical fields.  The money raised will also go towards upgrading faculties.

Beck went on to say that, “There will be a D.J., a stage, dancing, the Divine Nine and other student dance groups will perform, and it will benefit students in the form of scholarship funds.”

Awards will be given to the people with the best times in certain age groups. There will also be awards for the runner with the best costume. Although medals for the fastest time will be distributed, walkers are also encouraged and welcome to join.

After the race, be sure to stay around and join the Fall Color Festival. It will feature music, food, a photo booth, face painting, and family-friendly activities. “We liked the idea of a color race during the fall colors on campus, and the idea of a cougar splatted with color”, encouraged Beck.

Teams of 5 students can register for a total of 100 dollars or 20 dollars each. Also, individual students, faculty, and staff members can sign up for 30 dollars each. This event will take place rain or shine. More information may be found at http://www.KeanFoundation.org/cougar_color_5K_2014 and http://grad.kean.edu/CougarColor/.