SGA officers bring Cougar spirit to IUI Regatta

KOKOMO, Ind. - A team of Student Government Association leaders brought the Cougar spirit to one of the biggest events of the year at Indiana University Indianapolis.

Madison Campbell, Logansport; Brianna Lane, Elwood; Jillian LaRowe, Greentown; and Will Van Heyningen, Rochester; along with alternates Xen Kelley, Peru; and Allison O'Brien, Flora, represented the campus at the 17^th IUI Regatta, an annual festival and scholarship fundraiser centered around a half-mile canoe relay race on the downtown canal.

Van Heyningen called it a successful day, even with a shortened run in the first race.

"We managed to flip the canoe within 10 feet of the starting line," he said. "It was still a great experience meeting all the other Student Government Association members from the other campuses."

Amy Jarecki, dean of students, was "incredibly proud" of the team.

"They showed great energy, teamwork, and represented our campus with pride," she said. "Beyond the race, they took full advantage of the opportunity to network with students from other IU campuses and engage with IU leadership. Their enthusiasm and participation reflected the very best of IUK."

Van Heyningen brought the party to the September 27 event, donning a full pirate costume.

"I told my team beforehand that I had looked through old pictures and saw some teams wearing sailor suits, and I was going to buy a pirate costume," he said. "I think it ended up being a fantastic decision. I had a lot of fun running around in the costume all day."

The race, which raises scholarship money, includes four-member teams. Two begin the race, paddling a steel canoe about a quarter mile down the canal, where they disembark, the second pair jump in, and return to the start/finish line, as they are timed.

Teams compete in categories including IUI male, IUIfemale, IUI coed, and campus connection, for students from campuses other than IUI.

Van Heyningen appreciated the chance to represent IU Kokomo at an all IU event, and to meet other student government leaders. The team also visited the regatta festival, which included booths representing various IU student organizations. As a member of IU Kokomo's eSports team, he enjoyed checking out the gaming table to see what other campus teams are doing.

"It's nice to represent our campus, and remind others that we're here, too," he said. "At the end of the day, we are just one big IU showing up at events like this, building these connections."

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.