WASHINGTON, PA (April 18, 2017) – Washington & Jefferson College (W&J) freshman Halie Ankeny ’20 is the student behind Colleges Against Cancer (CAC), an initiative that adds to the College’s strong record for service and community support.
W&J’s new chapter of CAC, like others in the country, is partnered with the American Cancer Society and its mission is to promote cancer awareness on campus and raise money for the Society.
Halie was looking forward to starting this club even before she arrived at W&J this year as a freshman.
“My motivation was the impact cancer has had on my family. I was surprised to hear that W&J … did not have a Relay For Life. To follow my passion of making an impact in the world of cancer, I spoke with our American Cancer Society partner over the summer, and in the fall I started the club,” she said.
In addition to smaller fundraisers throughout the year, Relay for Life will be the club’s major year-end event. This 12-hour event will be full of ceremonies for survivors, caregivers, and others. The event itself is a walk around a track, and groups of families or friends can form a team to participate.
W&J’s Relay for Life will take place on April 29, 2017 from 12 p.m. to 12 a.m. at Cameron Stadium, and will be Disney-themed. Ankeny is very excited about the event and its possible outcomes.
“Our goal is to raise $10,000 for the American Cancer Society this year. As of right now, we have about 40 members and Relay participants. We are hoping that the majority of the student body and faculty participate,” she said.
She is also looking ahead to where her club will go next. She has dreams of a club that flourishes at W&J for years after she graduates, and one that will make an impact on the world of cancer awareness.
“For the future of the club, I see expansion. My goal for next year is to have even more involvement and a higher donation goal,” Ankeny said.
About Washington & Jefferson College
Washington & Jefferson College, located in Washington, Pa., is a selective liberal arts college founded in 1781. Committed to providing each of its students with the highest-quality undergraduate education available, W&J offers a traditional arts and sciences curriculum emphasizing interdisciplinary study and independent study work. For more information about W&J, visit washjeff.dev, or call 888-W-AND-JAY.