4th Annual Susan K. Hofacre 5K Run/Walk

Just today, I got an e-mail announcing the 4th annual Susan K. Hofacre 5k Run/Walk, which will take place at RMU’s Moon Township Campus on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 9 a.m.

This e-mail came at an interesting time, since I’ve recently been considering getting back into running again. Considering. I have a two-year-old daughter, you see. Ever since she was born, instead of running, I’ve been working on my long-distance loafing on the couch, which is a lot easier on the knees.

Susan K. Hofacre, Ph.D., was RMU’s first female athletic director. Hofacre, who earned an MBA from RMU in 1999, joined the university’s athletic department in 1989 as its senior women’s administrator, assisting with compliance issues, academic advising, events scheduling and policy development. She also served as department head and professor of sport management.

As athletic director from 2000-2005, Hofacre helped the Colonials add seven new NCAA Division I athletic programs, including the first men’s and women’s hockey teams in Pittsburgh. She also oversaw the development of the new track and field at the RMU Island Sports Center, as well as the construction of Joe Walton Stadium and athletic administration building.

In 2002, Hofacre was awarded the Robert Morris University Alumni Philanthropist Award by the Alumni Association for her establishment of endowed scholarships and her raising of funds for the University. She passed away on Jan. 8, 2005, at the age of 54, after a courageous battle with cancer.

The Susan K. Hofacre 5k Run/Walk benefits the Susan Hofacre Memorial Scholarship Fund. If you’re an avid runner or considering getting back into running like me (considering), be sure to mark November 7 on your calendar and support this important cause. (Registration starts at 8 a.m. at Joe Walton Stadium. The race begins at 9 a.m.)

-- Valentine J. Brkich

Around the horn

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports that Highlands High School quarterback Jeff Sinclair is coming to RMU because of our strengths in nursing. That will please the School of Nursing and Health Sciences, which is looking for a few good men. (Ladies welcome too.) Highlands coach Sam Albert says some nice things about us, and we couldn't more grateful.

Looking elsewhere, RMU women's basketball standout Monet Johnson finds herself mentioned in this New York Times article, while club hockey coach Jason Evans scores his 100th victory.

Finally, A. J. Grant, head of the Department of English Studies and Communication Skills, wants to make sure we get credit where credit is due. (Link; last item.)

That's all. Stay warm.

Go Colonials!

If you haven't done recently, now's a good time to visit RMU's athletics web site. It's been a particularly good week for the Colonials -- on the field, on the court and on the ice.