Diploma Dash will be virtual this year with new options
JANUARY 20, 2021 — Get ready to join one of the most popular UTSA events once again—this time in new ways. The UTSA Alumni Association’s annual Diploma Dash will be virtual this year, with proceeds supporting scholarships for current students.
“While we are disappointed that we cannot gather for Diploma Dash this year, we also did not want our community to have to miss out on what has become an important, signature event,” said Steve Woodall ’11, association interim director. “Because the event is virtual, we are excited to be able to offer new race options that people can do safely in their own neighborhoods in San Antonio and beyond.”
Sponsored in part by Credit Human, the virtual Diploma Dash gives alumni, faculty, staff, students, community members and dogs the opportunity to run, walk and even bike this year for a good cause. The traditional 5K is offered as well as a 1K kids fun run, a 25K bike ride and a 69K month-long option.
The traditional 5K is offered as well as a 1K kids fun run, a 25K bike ride and a 69K month-long option.
The event will start on February 27 and participants will have until March 27 to complete their chosen race. At registration, participants will download an app to use to track their race time to be submitted to organizers for prizes in 14 age categories.
“The app makes it very easy to set up your own teams, so departments, student organizations and alumni groups can join together to make this even more fun,” said Woodall. “I would love to see one of our regional chapters, alumni councils or just a group of Roadrunners from outside San Antonio take home an award this year.”
Diploma Dash began in 1985 and has been one of San Antonio’s largest racing events year after year. It all benefits the worthy cause of helping UTSA students.
“Providing scholarships for incoming and current UTSA undergraduate and graduate students is the reason we hold Diploma Dash every year,” said Yvonne Addison ’09, ’18, association president. “Our program recently added scholarship support for leaders of key student organizations at UTSA, like the drum major of SOSA, the Spirit of San Antonio marching band. It is so good to know we’re helping hard working students, and it wouldn’t be possible without everyone who participates in Diploma Dash.”
The UTSA Alumni Association awarded $150,000 in scholarships last year, rewarding top students who need financial support to continue their education and ultimately graduate. Most recent figures indicate that 75% of undergraduates are eligible for financial aid.
Diploma Dash typically sees individuals, friend groups, families and sports teams competing for awards, including Masters, Team Challenges, UTSA Students, UTSA Departments and ROTC Students. Runners who complete the 69K option will be recognized as the 1969 Club. Even the top dog is recognized. Individual winners receive medals, and team winners receive a plaque.
“With no geographic boundaries, all of Roadrunner Nation can participate this year,” Woodall said, “so we can all experience the pride of supporting scholarships for present and future Roadrunners.”
