Students, community members walk for March of Dimes

With the sun shining on the East lawn of the Muenster University Center, University of South Dakota students and Vermillion  community members walked in Vermillion’s first March of Dimes April 12.

With just over $1,500 raised from the walk, senior and president of USD’s Golden Key International Honour Society, which hosted the event, Catie Steir was just glad to see students showed up.

“I’m thrilled when I see students,” she said. “Getting donations is great, but just to have students and community members show up is great to start building that foundation for years to come.”

Community director for the South Dakota chapter of March of Dimes Valerie Willson has been with the organization for two and a half years. She said it meant a lot to see a generation of students care enough to participate in the walk.

“It means a lot that this generation wants to make a difference,” she said. “I’m very excited to see USD get involved and to see a smaller town really step up.”

Sophomore Lauren Cass walked in the march, and said it was great to see her friends come out and support her and the cause.

“I have a passion for helping kids,” Cass, who is also a member of Golden Key, said. “USD does a really good job working with the community, and we had a good turnout today.”