Alumni Association’s Fourth Annual 5K Run/Walkathon Announced

March 27, 2011

PATCHOGUE, NY March 28, 2011 On Sunday, May 1, St. Josephs College and The Rose Brucia Educational Foundation will come together for two separate, but equally significant causes as they join forces and participate in a 5K Run/Walkathon to raise money in the name of charity.

St. Josephs College and its Alumni Association will be walking to benefit the Thomas J. Wendt Scholarship. Named after a former student leader and employee dedicated to volunteerism and charitable causes, Tom Wendt 88 was active in various student organizations during his tenure at the College, including the Student Government Association, Circle K Club and Campus Ministry. After his passing in 2004, St. Josephs College established a memorial scholarship in his name to benefit students who actively participate in activities at the College and in its surrounding community.

The Rose Brucia Educational Foundation was founded in 2004 by Josephs College alumnus, Matthew J. Barbis 94, after the abduction and murder of his 11-year-old cousin, Carlie Brucia, in Sarasota, FL. The Rose Brucia Educational Foundations goal is to reduce the number of child abductions in the U.S. by educating and empowering young minds with the knowledge necessary to avoid abduction. Utilizing puppets and a formalized educational curriculum, the foundation provides elementary-aged children with the Stranger Safety Awareness Program free of charge. The Rose Brucia Educational Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization.

Registration for the 5K Run/Walkathon will begin at 8:30 a.m. in the John A. Danzi Athletic Center on the Long Island Campus of St. Josephs College, located at 155 West Roe Boulevard, Patchogue, New York. The route will go through the Village of Patchogue and end back at the College. For more information or to register, please call Matthew Colson in the Office of Alumni Relations at 631.687.2653, visit www.sjny.edu/alumni or www.rosebrucia.org.