A guest blog by Jenn Mallen, Director of New Student & Carolina Parent Programs
I'm new to the Carolina Community, having arrived just last April as the new director of New Student & Carolina Parent Programs (NSCPP). Shortly after my arrival, I learned that CFTK would be partnering with our office to host your 5K during Family Weekend 2015. This partnership is meaningful both professionally and personally and excites me for several reasons.
I have worked as a college administrator my entire professional life. There is no other environment in which I'd rather work. The reason is simple. I am motivated and inspired by college students that cross my path. So, in my work, I try to provide students with opportunities to share their talent and passion with others. I see our Family Weekend partnership as an occasion for CFTK to extend the reach of your organization by sharing your message with Carolina families.
But my true excitement runs deeper. Before coming to UNC, I served as director of the Penn State Parents Program for five years and as co-adviser to the Executive Board of Penn State’s Dance Marathon, known as THON.
One of my goals at Penn State was the enhance Family Weekend programming by encouraging more student organizations to host events that highlighted engagement opportunities available to PSU students. THON was one of the many organizations that the Parents Program partnered with and the goal (ironically) has been to move towards hosting the THON 5K event during Family Weekend. In a really cool way, the NSCPP and CFTK partnership provides the opportunity for me to see a goal I had at my former institution become a reality here at UNC!
But the partnership is most important to me given the personal connection I feel to your cause. I am the mother of two young children. My daughter Teagan is about to turn seven. My son Eamon is 15 months and just started to walk about two weeks ago (my house is nuts right now!). Being a parent of two healthy children is incredibly challenging—a constant balancing act. It is unimaginable for me to think about one of them falling ill and the emotional and financial impact that would have on my entire family. And yet, far too many families endure that every day.
Working with THON opened my eyes to the national dance marathon movement and the time and dedication that so many college students put forth to raise money and awareness for their cause, many of whom benefit children who are battling life-threatening illnesses, are facing incredibly complicated diagnoses and treatments, or just need excellent preventative care to keep them healthy. CFTK is an integral part of that national movement! So, as a mom, I am happy to see your interest in helping children and your desire to share your message more broadly and, to the extent that NSCPP can help you reach your goals, I am thrilled to be able to provide that opportunity.
NSCPP wishes you the best of luck with your 5K this coming weekend and for your entire fundraising campaign this coming year! Thank you for all you do—For the Kids.
I have worked as a college administrator my entire professional life. There is no other environment in which I'd rather work. The reason is simple. I am motivated and inspired by college students that cross my path. So, in my work, I try to provide students with opportunities to share their talent and passion with others. I see our Family Weekend partnership as an occasion for CFTK to extend the reach of your organization by sharing your message with Carolina families.
But my true excitement runs deeper. Before coming to UNC, I served as director of the Penn State Parents Program for five years and as co-adviser to the Executive Board of Penn State’s Dance Marathon, known as THON.
One of my goals at Penn State was the enhance Family Weekend programming by encouraging more student organizations to host events that highlighted engagement opportunities available to PSU students. THON was one of the many organizations that the Parents Program partnered with and the goal (ironically) has been to move towards hosting the THON 5K event during Family Weekend. In a really cool way, the NSCPP and CFTK partnership provides the opportunity for me to see a goal I had at my former institution become a reality here at UNC!
But the partnership is most important to me given the personal connection I feel to your cause. I am the mother of two young children. My daughter Teagan is about to turn seven. My son Eamon is 15 months and just started to walk about two weeks ago (my house is nuts right now!). Being a parent of two healthy children is incredibly challenging—a constant balancing act. It is unimaginable for me to think about one of them falling ill and the emotional and financial impact that would have on my entire family. And yet, far too many families endure that every day.
Working with THON opened my eyes to the national dance marathon movement and the time and dedication that so many college students put forth to raise money and awareness for their cause, many of whom benefit children who are battling life-threatening illnesses, are facing incredibly complicated diagnoses and treatments, or just need excellent preventative care to keep them healthy. CFTK is an integral part of that national movement! So, as a mom, I am happy to see your interest in helping children and your desire to share your message more broadly and, to the extent that NSCPP can help you reach your goals, I am thrilled to be able to provide that opportunity.
NSCPP wishes you the best of luck with your 5K this coming weekend and for your entire fundraising campaign this coming year! Thank you for all you do—For the Kids.