This weeks Campus Celebrities are two students who are very involved and have a passion for many things, one including SJU’s Relay For Life, which they are planning this year.
Let’s get to know Keri and Claire better.
What year are you?
Keri: I am a Senior.
Claire: I am a Junior.
What is your major?
Keri: Food Marketing and Business Intelligence
Claire: Food Marketing with a minor in Leadership, Ethics and Organizational Sustainability
Where are you from?
Keri: Highland Park, New Jersey
Claire: Staten Island, NY
What are you involved with on campus?
Keri: Relay for Life, S.B.A.C. Student Budget Advisory Committee
Claire: Relay for Life, Red Shirt, Student Senate, and Deans Leadership Program
What do you love most about SJU?
Keri: I love the close-knit community.
Claire: I would say the people. You can’t find the type of people on this campus anywhere else.
What is your favorite memory so far?
Keri: Relay for Life. It was during my sophomore year and everyone had so much passion and it was a great experience.
Claire: Making the Red Shirt team was very exciting.
Have you had any internships?
Keri: I interned at Dietz and Watson and also US foods.
Claire: I am a MKT/Social Media intern at a recording studio called SoundTrack Studios
What are your career plans?
Keri: I want to go into wine and liquor distribution. Eventually, a Sales Analyst position.
Claire: Some sort of marketing or PR position in Manhattan. Overall, I want to own a non-profit.
Now, here is a little more about SJU’s Relay For Life:
How would you describe it to students who have never heard of it?
Keri: It is a 12-hour walk to raise money and awareness for cancer research.
Claire: It is the largest group of people fundraising on SJU’s campus.
Facts:
Keri & Claire: The first year SJU had the Relay, we raised $44,000. Last year we raised $70,000 and this year there is planned to be even more. It is growing a lot. It started from 400 people to now having 900.
Is there anything different this year?
Keri & Claire: This year it will be held in Hagan Arena— we have expanded since last year the relay sold out. It is a three-tier program: we celebrate the survivors & remember those who have been lost. Then, we end on a positive note, which is the fight back. There is tons of food, activities, and games.
When is it?
April 26
How do people sign up?
You can go to this website: www.relayforlife.org/pastjoes
What made you want to get involved with Relay For Life?
Keri: The main reason I wanted to be involved was because when I was 14, my 16-year-old friend passed away from cancer. It was a reality check because you never think it can affect you, let alone at this age. I met the co chair at the time DJ, and was really touched by the whole idea. It was a way to find passion and aid in finishing the fight.
Claire: Cancer always a part of my life. I am a two-time survivor and my Mom is a breast cancer survivor. I have worked with the American Cancer Society since I was diagnosed at a really young age. I have also spoken at galas and relays before college so I definitely wanted to be involved during college. I made a speech at last years Relay.
What else do you want people to know about SJU Relay for Life?
Keri: When you come, you realize how contagious passion is. The staff is so passionate and the stories of fellow classmates show how so much of the campus is connected through one fight. ¼ of the SJU campus participates in it, so it shows how it has a large presence on campus.
Claire: I would say that the SJU community gets closer that night.
Thank you to Keri and Claire for taking the time to interview with me. The passion they both have for the Relay for Life is truly contagious. So, students of SJU— consider signing up for the Relay for Life to experience the passion and close-knit community of SJU.