skip to main content
Search

Southwest services and classes are virtual on Fridays. Find out more!

Earth Day Dash runners brave weather to support Science Club

The exceptionally cold and rainy weather did not deter more than 50 runners and walkers who participated in the fourth annual Earth Day Dash 5K on April 19. The annual fundraiser benefitting the Science Club is traditionally held on the Macon Cove Campus.

Students hold the 2019 Earth Day Dash 5K poster.

Students hold the 2019 Earth Day Dash 5K poster.

This year’s theme, “Recycle Southwest,” celebrated Earth Week by focusing its messaging and event activities on local and global environmental issues. Following the race, participants had the opportunity to attend an expo where representatives from various environmental groups, community resources and student organizations gathered inside the Nabors Gymnasium.

Event organizer and Associate Professor of Biology Dr. Joyce Johnson was pleased with the turn out given the inclement weather.  “We were able to raise the funds we needed to continue our recycling goals on campus and plan for the purchase of recycling bins,” she said.

After the race, participants warmed up dancing to the tunes of L& B Productions, a company owned by former Southwest students, and refueled with healthy snacks and a pizza lunch. 

The Science Club thanks the participants, student clubs and groups that set up booths and water stations, faculty volunteers, and community partners Clean Memphis and Keep Tennessee Beautiful for their support.

The Science Club is a student organization whose mission is to advance the learning and appreciation of the field of science and the environment, encourage innovation and sharing of ideas, and emphasize the biological diversity and unity of life.

Runners line up to register for the 2019 Earth Day Dash.
Keep Tennessee Beautiful Community Services Coordinator Stine Cooperwood passed out environmental tote bags at the expo.

Runners line up to register for the 2019 Earth Day Dash.

Runners start the race at the Clock Tower on the Macon Cove campus.

Runners start the race at the Clock Tower on the Macon Cove Campus.

Keep Tennessee Beautiful Community Services Coordinator Stine Cooperwood passed out environmental tote bags at the expo.

Keep Tennessee Beautiful Community Services Coordinator Stine Cooperwood passed out environmental tote bags at the expo.