Running for a purpose: How Diploma Dash is changing lives

UTSA students Ryder Billo and Manojna Kintada benefit from Alumni Association scholarships

UTSA students Ryder Billo and Manojna Kintada benefit from Alumni Association scholarships.


(Feb. 23, 2017) -- Every year nearly 2,000 runners, walkers, dogs and observers trek to The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) to participate in the university's Diploma Dash, an Official San Antonio City Championship 5K Race.

Proceeds from the race benefit the UTSA Alumni Association and its scholarship program. Awarded to over 60 students annually, Alumni Association scholarships are helping students like Ryder Billo and Manojna Kintada pursue their degrees at UTSA. Billo, a marketing major, and Kintada, a biology major and Ms. UTSA 2015, know first-hand just how much scholarships help college students. Both are the recipients of a $5,000 scholarship made possible, in part, by Diploma Dash runners.

"Scholarships are everything," said Billo. "For many of us, if you don't get that scholarship then you don't get to go to school, or you don't get to study abroad. When people donate, they're donating more than just money, they're creating memories and experiences."

Thanks in part to the scholarship Billo, a native of Goliad, Texas, traveled last summer to Strasbourg, France, where he studied the history of Europe.

For Kintada, this Spring Break she will travel to Los Angeles to participate in Learning Enrichment in Clinical Anatomy, a week-long program for students committed to a career in health care.

"The scholarship opened up a lot of opportunities," said Kintada, who aspires to be a radiologist. "If I didn't have the scholarship, I wouldn't be able to participate in the clinical program or take on a medical internship."

While both students are pursuing different degrees, both can agree that if it weren't for the Alumni Association scholarship their opportunities would have been limited. The scholarships have made a difference for these bright students who will no doubt change the world through their chosen careers. Knowing first-hand the impact of what the alumni scholarship has had in their lives, Billo and Kintada will also be participating in the 2017 Diploma Dash.

"Many people might not know this, but when you participate in Diploma Dash, you are actually helping to change lives," said Jana Kennelly, executive director of the UTSA Alumni Association. "A large portion of the money raised from the event goes directly to the Alumni Association scholarships, helping a new generation of Roadrunners here on campus."

Open to runners, walkers, families, and pet owners, registration for this year's Diploma Dash is $15 for current UTSA students, $35 for adults, $25 for UTSA Alumni Association members and $15 for children under 18. Medals will be awarded for the top three finishers in each age category.

At the Feb. 25 events on the UTSA Main Campus, there will be appearances by Rowdy and the Spirit of San Antonio Marching Band. There will also be food, drinks and entertainment for participants to enjoy after the race.

- Yvonne Zamora Byrd

-------------------------------

Register and learn more about the 2017 Diploma Dash.

Learn more about the UTSA Alumni Association.

Connect with UTSA online at Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and LinkedIn.




Events



Spotlight

UTSA Bold Promise CTA

UTSA’s Mission

The University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.

UTSA’s Vision

To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.

UTSA’s Core Values

We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.

UTSA’S Destinations

UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education .

Our Commitment to Inclusivity

The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to promoting access for all. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.