Fundraiser Challenges Students to Climb

PROVO, Utah — Mar 19, 2008 — Marriott School students, faculty and staff are challenged to race up seven stories in an unconventional fundraising event designed to grow the school’s scholarship fund.

The annual Corporate Climb takes place on Saturday, March 22 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Tanner Building. New to this year’s event is a carnival which includes games and booths for all ages.

“The Corporate Climb and Carnival are a chance for students and faculty to interact in a fun setting while giving back to the Marriott School,” says Kyle Poll, Marriott School Student Council president. “For many participants, racing through the Tanner Building is an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to the Marriott School’s future.”

Participants will begin the race on the third-floor atrium and run up to the seventh floor through the east stairwell. They will then continue down all seven stories using the west stairwell. To finish the race, runners will climb the atrium’s staircase to the third floor.

Individual participants can choose to run three- or seven- lap races — where one lap consists of going up and down seven floors. Relay teams have the option of a three- or nine- lap race. Teams consist of three people. Prizes will be awarded to the fastest male and female contestant, fastest team and best costumes. Individual participants and team members are requested to give a $15 donation to the BYU Annual Fund. Those who wish to contribute to the fund but are unable to race are encouraged to sponsor a runner for $5.

"We are at BYU only for so long, and I believe we should take advantage of every opportunity to be involved and have memorable experiences,” says Nick Hopkins, a second-year MBA student who participated in a relay team last year. “When else are you going to race up the Tanner stairs with people cheering you on?”

Participants can register or sponsor a runner online at marriott.byu.edu/corporateclimb. A Corporate Climb registration booth will also be available in the second-floor atrium of the TNRB from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. through Friday, March 21. Registered participants get a special edition race t-shirt, food, admission to the carnival and several chances to win prizes.

The Marriott School is located at Brigham Young University, the largest privately owned, church-sponsored university in the United States. The school has nationally recognized programs in accounting, business management, public management, information systems and entrepreneurship. The school’s mission is to prepare men and women of faith, character and professional ability for positions of leadership throughout the world. Approximately 3,000 students are enrolled in the Marriott School’s graduate and undergraduate programs.