Members from Greek organizations came out to raise awareness for disorder by passing out medals at the finish line and working at a bounce house at the run.

“Service is a big part of what we represent,” said Austin Castleberry, senior psychology major and Pi Kappa Phi member. “When Alison (Sterken, head of the Treatment and Learning Center and the Tyler Run for Autism) first told me about the event, I was thrilled to help get my brothers involved and give back to the community”

Held April 14, the Tyler Run for Autism included a 5 kilometer run followed by a fun run. More than 400 runners came out to show their support for the children and their families.

All proceeds raised by the event will be used for scholarships for present and future children who attend the Treatment and Learning Center for Children with Autism.

“These scholarships will help provide the children with 35 hours a week of intensive one-on-one applied behavior analysis therapy which specifically targets communication and social and behavioral interaction” Sterken said.

The responsibility of paying for such a treatment falls on the shoulders of parents and guardians because “most insurance companies don’t cover the cost” she said. The cost for one-on-one therapy can be expensive and she said financial help is difficult to come by.

“The community should be able to help that family and support emotionally, empathetically or even financially if need be.” Castleberry said.

Since several families lost their funding due to unforeseen circumstances, parents and the community have been fundraising so these children can continue attending the Center.

“So far we have raised 30,000 dollars to help cover the cost,” Sterken said.

The scholarship money raised from the Tyler Run for Autism will help the children to continue their education and therapy.

“Students can get involved by devoting time to help out with events such as the run or by even just attaining more knowledge about autism so they can gain a better understanding and realize that people with autism are still people too,” Castleberry said. “Many families could really use the support and giving back is the best way to do it.”

University students can continue raising awareness even after the run by simply spreading information about autism.

“With autism rates on the rise, it’s very important to help these kids through early intervention and by use of (applied behavior analysis) therapy to ensure they can lead a normal life,” Castleberry said. “Autism affects 1 out of every 80 children and we can’t just ignore it.”

With this in mind, Greek Life set out to make sure they didn’t ignore the need to raise awareness.

At the end of run, members from multiple Greek organizations stood beside the families and friends of participants to cheer on everyone who came to support the cause.

Photo by Lea Rittenhouse

As students packed the University Center Theater for the Patriot Idol finale Friday night, Homecomings officials announced the election of Austin Castleberry and Tyler Lowing as the 2011 Homecoming King and Queen.

“I’m pretty excited,” Castleberry said. “I wasn’t sure how it was going to turn out. It was really cool to see everyone come out and support.”

Students voted for Homecoming royalty from Oct. 4-6.

“It’s exciting,” Lowing said. I feel like a lot of people came out and supported us. It was good.”

Homecoming week began Oct. 3 with the pep rally, tailgate party and car bash, and ended Saturday night with the Golf Cart Parade and Chili Cook-Off.

“Homecoming went amazing and all the events had a great turn out,” Co-homecoming chairwoman Melina Reyes said. “The support and help from the volunteers and staff was amazing and is what really helped the events go so smoothly.”

Reyes said she was pleased with the way Monday’s opening events set the tone for the week.

“My favorite event would have to have been Monday’s pep rally/tailgate,” Reyes said. “Putting the two together this year really made a difference in the turn out and it looked like everyone had a lot of fun.”

Deja Rollins walked away with a $1,000 grand prize after being named the 2011 Patriot Idol at the finale Friday night at the University Center Theater.

Christie Wallace and Cassidy Younghans, who finished in second and third place respectively, also received cash prizes.
Patriot Idol, a singing contest based-off of the TV hit American Idol, started the preliminary competition Oct. 4th in the Sports Café.

The contest was open to any student willing to share their vocal talents onstage.

A crowd of more than 200 students attended the Student Government Association’s annual Midnight Breakfast in the MET on Friday night.

“The midnight breakfast went really well,” SGA president Tiffany Allison said. “We had over 250 students show up.”

Organizers served typical breakfast dishes, such as pancakes, biscuits and gravy, eggs, hash browns and cereal, which were offered free to any student with a valid ID.

“We did it a little differently this year by starting it at 11:30 and having it last one hour,” Allison said. “Overall, I think it was a success.”

After furiously maneuvering their canoe across Harvey Lake in a series of competitive races, members of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity took home the title of Patriot Paddle champions.

The fraternity finished 51 seconds faster than the second place team, Kappa Kappa Psi.

The event began with a chant from each competing organization.

Residents of University Pines Apartment were awarded the title of best chant after performing a tribal anthem complete with interpretive dance.

Alpha Chi Omega won first place in the Alumni Associations Chili Cook-Off on Saturday.