A mile marker reached

JMU’s Hart School of Hospitality, Sport and Recreation Management hosted its annual 5K charity event, We Hart Racial Equality Race, on Saturday, April 30.

The event raised money to complete building an endowed scholarship that will serve underrepresented students in the SRM program. This goal was reached in large part thanks to a final donation from Hart School Advisory Board member, Randall Tucker, on behalf of Mastercard.

Since the 5K’s inception in 2020, this was the first time the race could be held in-person. Hart School faculty member Alyssa Bosley saw first-hand how different it was compared to their virtual efforts over the past years. “After a couple years of virtual-only races, it was wonderful to collaborate with the Hart School Advisory Board and one of our programming classes to host our first in-person 5K. I’m especially proud of the students for showing leadership, critical thinking and problem-solving skills as we worked through some challenges with organizing a live event. Their tireless efforts ensured this event was a success,” she said.

Those who could not attend the event in-person were still invited to participate virtually by running, walking or biking their own 5K. Over three years this event has raised over $50,000 to help support the scholarship.

“This scholarship is a true example of embracing JMU’s motto of ‘being the change,’” said Bosley. “Individuals from local, national and international locations believed in our efforts and donated money toward this scholarship that would support underrepresented students in the Hart School. I am in awe and appreciative of the generosity that has been shown, especially from Randall Tucker and Mastercard.”