During the cold months of the year, the Ross Medical Education Center campus in Lafayette, Indiana decided to do something unique. The staff and faculty challenged the student body to raise funds for the local Polar Plunge. They did this by soliciting sponsors in an effort to raise $500 for the Ross Plunge Team. The team was made up of some of the brave souls on the Lafayette staff and faculty including Campus Director Tim Hula, Career Services Student Support Representative Steph Miller, Financial Aid Student Support Representative Hannah Bates, Medical Assistant program Instructor Kara Lane, Dental Assistant program Instructor Jessica Christian, and Medical Insurance Billing and Office Administration program Instructor Dawn McKinney.
The Polar Plunge is celebrating its 50th year. This year was special to the community as a major milestone. However, it was exciting as well to the Ross team because it was the first time they ever participated! As a major fundraising effort for the Special Olympics of Indiana, it is an annual event that is looked forward to by a large variety of members of the community. All of the Special Olympians were there for the event and the weather was extremely cold – just 22 degrees – and the water was even colder than that!
This was the largest fundraiser that Ross Medical Education Center in Lafayette has participated in so far. Campus Director Tima Hula said, “It was really easy to work with the organization’s website process. We look forward to being a part of this every year! Totally worth the numbness of the frozen water. I challenge you to participate next year!” The campus loved coming out and supporting the Special Olympics and all of the great work that they do. Even though it was cold, the fun and laughter and great cause made it all worth it.