September 25, 2013

VSU Walking to Help Fight Heart Disease

VALDOSTA – Valdosta State University will be a leading force in the American Heart Association’s 2013 Heart Walk scheduled for 8 a.m. Saturday Nov. 9, at McKey Park, in Valdosta.

In 2012, VSU was the top contributor to the Lowndes Heart Walk. This year the university’s goal is to lead again by raising a minimum of $10,000.

Recruitment of teams and team captains has begun in order to meet this goal.

VSU will have a minimum of 10 teams with a captain for each team. Students, faculty and staff members, and student organizations are encouraged to form teams and become team captains.

Team captains are responsible for recruiting, motivating and leading VSU teams in this effort. All team members recruit sponsors to support the team with donations. Participants do not have to be present or actually walk to be a meaningful contributor to this event.

Each walker who raises more than $100 receives a free T-shirt. Walkers who raise more than $1,000 are considered to be Top Walkers and receive special recognition at the walk and entry into special prize drawings.

The VSU winning team will be recognized with a lunch for the entire team with President William McKinney.

The main walk is three miles long; however, a one-mile route is offered for heart disease and stroke survivors. Participants are allowed to push strollers and non-aggressive dogs on a leash are permitted.

Heart disease is the number one killer of Americans and stroke is number four. The Heart Walk helps fight heart disease and stroke by raising money through donations for heart health education and research.

As a corporate sponsor, VSU will have a tent at the Heart Walk to support the community and the healthy fun of all participants.

Contact Mary Gooding, director of Marketing and Community Relations at mbgooding@valdosta.edu or 333-7444 for more information on joining a team, becoming a team captain or donating to the cause for a heart healthy America.


Valdosta State University’s 2013-2019 Strategic Plan represents a renewal of energy and commitment to the foundational principles for comprehensive institutions.

Implementation of the plan’s five goals, along with their accompanying objectives and strategies, supports VSU’s institutional mission and the University System of Georgia’s mission for comprehensive universities.

The story above demonstrates VSU's commitment to meeting the following goals:

Goal 1: Recruit, retain, and graduate a quality, diverse student population and prepare students for roles as leaders in a global society.

Goal 3: Promote student, employee, alumni, retiree, and community engagement in our mission.

Visit http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/planning/strategic-plan.php to learn more.

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