On Sunday, October 18, 2015, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., hundreds of people gathered in the Vaughn Eames parking lot to take part in the second annual Nathan Weiss Memorial Cougar Color 5K.

As a proactive institution, Kean University frequently supports various causes within the larger surrounding area. Through the Color Run, Kean University has found a unique way to support those causes closer to the internal educational community. On the day of the Color Run, people of all ages and backgrounds came together to run for a good cause on a beautiful day.

Students braces himself for a blast of blue color
Uriel Solis l The Cougar’s Byte

Last year, briefly after being approached by Dr. Thomas Walsh, the Assistant Professor of the Department of Instruction and Educational Leadership, with the idea, Jeffrey Beck, Dean of the Nathan Weiss Graduate College, initiated Kean University’s first ever Color Run.

The event was originally implemented with the purpose of generating scholarships for graduate students. With all the color being harmless non-toxic cornstarch, anyone could participate. There were two color stations throughout the run where participants. Beck states, “We have Kean alumni, faculty, students, employees and those in the community … all with ages ranging from 10 years old to 70.”

Those that pre-registered were greeted with gifts when they showed up. They were each given a race bag; which included a Cougar Color 5K t-shirt, race bib, sunglasses, course map, coupons and more.

Angela Esteves participates for the first time
Uriel Solis l The Cougar’s Byte

This year’s run began promptly at 9 a.m. when participants began to make their way through the path set out for them within the immense main campus. As they came around for their second and final lap, volunteers offered them bottles of water and bananas.

Asia Hurley, freshman cell molecular biology major and volunteer, speaks to the comradery she saw, “People are really encouraging. I’ve seen complete strangers going behind me and congratulating each other.”

Asia Hurley escorted the cougar throughout the race
Uriel Solis l The Cougar’s Byte

A short time later, after most of the contestants reached the finish line, the crowd collected in the center of the parking lot for the subsequent festivities where the Kean Dance Team performed and people took photos with the Kean University cougar.

Following that was the award ceremony in which first, second and third place prizes were presented to winners in every age category. The Cougar Spirit Cup was presented to the group who had the most participants and volunteers than anyone else. The occupational therapy and speech pathology teams both tied for greatest participation.

Amanda Mucci, graduate occupational therapy student, attended with the Student Occupational Therapy Association (SOTA). She stated, “…being the secretary on the board of SOTA, we know it’s a good cause because it raises money for graduates and I [think] this is a great way to bring people together; you get to motivate each other.”

The third group with the greatest participation was Residence Life. As an award they were all given three complementary training sessions donated by Valerie Busa, athletic trainer.

As awards continued, they acknowledged the best costume and NavaFit rattled off a free pair of shoes. At the conclusion of the event, attendees gathered in Downs Hall where breakfast was provided and runners could wind down.

Students bring their own splash of color to run the Color Run
Uriel Solis l The Cougar’s Byte

In memory of Dr. Nathan Weiss, former President of Kean University for whom the graduate college is named after, all the proceeds from the Color Run will go to supporting higher education in New Jersey. Beck states, “This year we have already raised over $14,000. We had 375 total registrants this year.”

Sponsoring graduate student scholarships and research grants for Kean University students, the fundraiser provides numerous students with the opportunity to pursue whatever educational dream they have. Beck continues, “…also have endowed scholarships from Mrs. Weiss, $60,000, to endow a scholarship that will last forever.”

Since the very beginning the Color Run is an invaluable addition to Kean University. It is exceptionally beneficial in that it brings together a vast community of people for the betterment of the college individuals.

Kathleen Henry, graduate occupational therapy student, was the first finisher of the day. She states, “[I ran because] it’s a great cause and a beautiful day to get everyone out and exercising and being healthy. It promotes fitness but also education at the same time.”

Kathleen Henry was the first finisher of the day
Uriel Solis l The Cougar’s Byte

For whatever reason someone chose to run, the important part is understanding that life is not about how fast a person can get through it, but who they’re running with and what they’re running for.

As a part of their mission, Kean University dedicates itself to the intellectual, cultural and personal growth of all its members--students, faculty and professional staff. As a concentration in higher learning, the Nathan Weiss Graduate College encourages people to always continue their education.  Click here to learn more.

Enjoy the video below highlighting more key moments from the event.