Who says bigger is better? Doane University's Relay for Life team is proving that a small university can make a big impact, taking on some of the nation's largest colleges and universities in a national fundraising competition. But for Doane students, Relay for Life has always been about something bigger than a competition. It's about showing up for others, serving their community and making a difference in the fight against cancer.
For more than 30 years, Doane students have made Relay for Life a meaningful campus tradition, coming together year after year to volunteer, participate and raise money for cancer research and support.
This year, that tradition is getting national attention through the American Cancer Society's Campus Relay for Life Fall Fumble competition. Doane earned a spot among the top 32 participating schools after a strong showing in the opening phase, which measured student sign-ups. The competition then shifted to fundraising, with schools facing off in a bracket-style challenge.
A small university with a big challenge
In the first round, Doane went head-to-head with the University of Georgia, a university approximately 42 times its size. The Tigers finished just $300 behind Georgia, making for a close competition.
But Doane isn't out of the running. The team advanced to the second-chance bracket, where it now faces the University of Michigan, a university approximately 53 times its size. The current round runs through Nov. 16 at 11:59 p.m., and the team is looking for continued support from the Doane community.
"The student executive team has been working hard to get ourselves in a good place this year, and this nationally organized fundraiser has been a good way for us to get some early fundraising momentum," said Quint Geis ’13, Director of Career, Leadership & Service.
A campus community that shows up
Doane's Relay for Life efforts extend beyond the student executive team itself. Other campus groups are joining the cause, including Delta Kappa Pi (DKP), one of Doane's fraternities. DKP has a longstanding commitment to Relay for Life, consistently ranking among the top fundraising teams and even shaving their heads when they reach certain fundraising milestones.
Michael Stehlik '05, DKP advisor, said he is proud to see the fraternity take its involvement a step further by hosting its annual Relay for Life Gameshow on Thursday, Nov. 12.
"One of the most rewarding parts of being an advisor to Delta Kappa Pi is watching these young men recognize the impact they can have beyond themselves," Stehlik said. "What makes me proudest isn't just what these men accomplish, but their willingness to give their time, energy and talents to make a difference for others. To me, that's what brotherhood and service are all about."
Relay for Life even holds a leadership position within the fraternity, with sophomore John Donlan serving as this year's chair.
The national Campus Relay for Life initiative brings together high schools and colleges across the country, with an overall fundraising goal of $425,000 to support the fight against cancer.
While the national competition offers an exciting opportunity to represent Doane, the heart of Relay for Life remains its longstanding commitment to bringing people together for a cause bigger than themselves. Through volunteering, fundraising and participating in campus events, Doane students continue to demonstrate the impact a community can make when it comes together to serve others.
Help the Tigers keep climbing
Support Doane's Relay for Life efforts by making a donation through the American Cancer Society event page. Community members can also watch DKP's Annual Gameshow on Thursday, Nov. 12 at 7:00 p.m., through the live YouTube stream.
After more than three decades, Doane Relay for Life continues to show that making a difference isn't about how big you are. It's about how much you care and what you can accomplish together.
Sko Doane!
