AND THE WINNERS ARE ...
OREO BALLS Find out how to make a quick and delicious studying snack! Page 7
The Lorian picks the top athletes for the school year! Page 19 May 11, 2017 — Vol. 95, Issue 15
Dance Marathon Boogie Oogie Oogies for the kids
Inspiration served at LIFE Dinner by BRENNAN PIVNICKA | staff writer
photos contributed BY AUSTIN LOWRY -LUTHER
Fundraiser generates more than $216,000
The 12th annual Loras College Dance Marathon raised more than $216,000 for the “miracle kiddos” of the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital, a $15,000 increase over last year. The student-led activity now has raised more than $1.8 million for the hospital and the network in its 12-year effort. The dancers, who had to dance for 12 straight hours, prepare for the event all year. Participants danced, played with the kids, and some were even locked in jail as an incentive to raise more. DM members, donors and participants embody FTK, or For the Kids.
April 28 was the 25th annual LIFE Dinner down at the Grand River Center. Hosted by the Dubuque County Right to Life foundation, it serves as a yearly gathering for all those who seek to end abortion in both the nation and the world at large. This year was no exception, as people of all places, faiths, and positions came together to support a cause they deemed worthy to the highest degree: the protection and preservation of the lives of all unborn individuals. The event was hosted by Right to Life Chairman Jack Mescher and Executive Director Hannah Brehm. It featured the special guest Dan Kulp as keynote speaker. An actor, writer, singer, and comedian, Kulp has been a longtime supporter of the right to life movement. Inspired by his own family life and siblings who had special needs, he and his wife have adopted several children who would otherwise have nowhere else to turn. His first son, as it were, was the first child diagnosed with Down Syndrome who was adopted out of China. Despite the difficulties that came with raising his children, Kulp nevertheless regards them as the most treasured part of his life, citing that God doesn’t call the equipped, he equips the called. “The LIFE Dinner reinvigorated my passion for the pro-life movement,” said senior Christine McDonald. “They keynote speaker was very lighthearted yet also serious throughout his talk. He reminded me that ultimately the pro-life movement is about allowing others to experience and live the gift that life is. His personal stories of growing up with a brother who had Down Syndrome and of adopting children with special needs really touched me as well. Every human being is beautiful and should be respected, nurtured, and given the chance to reach his or her potential.” In light of the recent closing of Dubuque’s former Planned Parenthood operation, attendees of the event were urged to continue their involvement in pro-life matters of all capacities. Next year’s LIFE Dinner will be on Friday, May 4, also at the Grand River Center.
Runners have sweet motivation to race to the finish line at 2nd annual Donut 5K by CASSANDRA BUSCH | staff writer
This year the Loras Triathlon Club, DuTri, hosted its second annual Donut 5K. On Saturday, April 30, at 2 p.m. at Heritage Trail in Dubuque, participants had the opportunity to eat their way to the finish line if they so chose. This year there were upwards of 30 participants racing. Over 200 donuts were provided by Donut Boy in Dubuque, and HyVee donated water for racers. DuHealth Club provided volunteers for the DuTri event. Participants varied widely in age, ranging from 14 years old to 70. The Top Overall Male was Logan Bahl (Loras College ’16), and the Top Overall Female was junior Greta Becker. The prize for the most donuts consumed went to senior Christopher Grow. He managed to eat 12 donuts before reaching the finish line. For each donut fully eaten and kept down by the participant, time was taken off of the overall
finishing time. Some participants learned their lesson from their race experience last year, changing their strategy in balancing their donut consumption with running. “Overall I took the race easier this year to eat more donuts, much more enjoyable that way!” said junior Michael Thomsen. However, no provisions were wasted as leftover donuts and waters went to the Loras and Dubuque participants of the race, and additional donations were made to the Catholic Hope House in Dubuque. DuTri offers students the opportunity to work out with fellow Duhawks by offering running and swimming workouts throughout the week. The club is currently led by senior Paul Conway. “This race has always been lots of fun to have our club host every year. It mixes it up from traditional 5k and the
donuts taste amazing too,” Conway said. The Triathlon Club can boast many other accomplishments from this year. First, three Duhawks competed at Collegiate Club Nationals, three competed at Indoor Iowa State and six athletes competed at Wartburg College. At Wartburg DuTri had a third place overall finish. Also, two members finished their first triathlon with two first place age group finishes and one third place age group finish. The club hopes to continue to grow in size and accomplishment in future years, continuing to hold events that are open to the entire Loras community such as the Donut 5k. “We put it on as a fundraiser but love seeing a different kind of race for people to enjoy from the traditional 5k run. Weather kept more people from coming out but we might launch it in the fall next year to gather more runners,” Conway concluded.