"The idea behind this fundraiser was created last year to help the Red Cross respond to the disastrous effects of Hurricane Katrina," noted Christopher Marquart, Residence Hall Director. "I was overjoyed when students asked to make the relay an annual event so we could continue to provide assistance to those in need."

Approximately 250 volunteers from the college and the community ran or walked around the Canton Village Park all night Friday and the whole day Saturday. The overnight became a bit chilly for the runners, who bundled up against the first frost of the fall season.

SUNY Canton President Joseph L. Kennedy and the Women's Soccer and Women's Basketball teams joined the runners and representatives of SUNY Canton's Greek organizations to keep the baton aloft for the 24-hour relay.

"There are a number of individuals and organizations that we'd like to thank," noted Marquart. "Among those who made this event a success are the volunteers, Chaney Dining Center, Subway, Price Chopper, Dunkin Donuts, John Casserly, and Henry LaQueer."

The Relay for the Red Cross was one of the events during SUNY Canton's lively activities lineup during Fall Festival and Family Weekend. The Roselle Academic Plaza became home to a full spectrum of custom, antique, and otherwise unique automobiles at the Auto Club "Cruise-In" automobile exhibition. The college's corresponding admissions open house also drew more than 200 prospective students and family members to the campus.

SUNY Canton is celebrating its 100-year anniversary this year and is in the midst of its highly successful SUNY Canton Centennial Campaign: Cultivating the Minds of Tomorrow. In addition to 22 associate degree programs, SUNY Canton currently offers 12 four-year degrees with plans to announce several other new programs during the next academic year. SUNY Canton also offers three unique master's degrees in conjunction with SUNYIT, Utica.

October 4, 2006

Media inquiries should be directed to Greg Kie, Media Relations Coordinator, or call 315/386-7527.

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