RAGBRAI July 22-July 28
Upper Iowa University President Alan G. Walker, far right, introduced some of the returning members of Team Peacock and its support crew during halftime at a recent UIUbasketball game. From left are Professor Scott Figdore, Tim Wolff, Emily Walker, Tricia Pugh, Carol Langerman-Aten, Professor Kata McCarville, Shea Meyermann, Leif White, Daryl Grove, Wendell Snodgrass, Elissa Wenthe, Andrew Wenthe, Louise Scott, Holly Wolff, Jenna Rinehart, Andy Pugh, Professor Gina Kuker, Travis Hunt, and Bill Duffy.
Upper Iowa University Team Peacock ready for RAGBRAI, will reach $1.3 million by raising $185,700 to mark UIU 155th anniversary
Upper Iowa University Team Peacock is ready to roll on the 2012 RAGBRAI route from Sioux Center to Clinton. This year, the Team plans to reach a cumulative total of more than $1.3 million for scholarships by raising $185,700 in honor of the University's 155th anniversary. UIU was founded in 1857. This is the eighth year that Team Peacock has ridden RAGBRAI to raise scholarship money to help UIU students.
"Since the University was founded, we have been committed to making a college education accessible and affordable for students," said UIU President Alan G. Walker. "In today's economy, students need financial assistance more than ever. Riding RAGBRAI as a fund-raising effort is just one more way that the University goes the extra mile to help current and future UIU students. Every dollar raised by the team since 2005 has gone to make sure scholarships grow and continue to be available."
Team Peacock members gathered in the Jim Day Suite at Dorman Gymnasium to hear the route announcement by RAGBRAI officials and launch the 2012 Team Peacock effort during half-time of the men's basketball game. Current and past riders and support crew cheered the announcement that the ride would follow the 471-mile southeast diagonal route, which includes Cedar Rapids. This year is the 40th year for RAGBRAI, and is scheduled July 22-28.
Team Peacock has been riding RAGBRAI every year since 2005 – about 3,000 miles – as a fundraising effort to increase scholarships for Upper Iowa University students. Through individual donor pledges and corporate sponsorships, the Team topped the $1 million cumulative total in 2011.
Nearly 40 UIU riders – faculty, students, staff and alumni – have signed up to ride the RAGBRAI route in 2012, supported by the Blue Crew, which handles the logistics for each overnight stop, and a group of volunteers who meet the team and staff a UIU booth in the mid-day towns.
Follow Team Peacock or make a donation online.
