SWU Alumni Run in 126th Boston Marathon
CENTRAL, S.C. – The 126th Boston Marathon was held on April 18, 2022 and hosted by the City of Boston and the Boston Athletic Association. Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. Three Southern Wesleyan University alumni participated in this year’s event.
Pete Benson holds an Honorary Doctorate Degree from SWU (2021). He is also a member of the SWU Board of Trustees and namesake of the Benson School of Business. In response to this accomplishment Benson commented, “Running and finishing the Boston Marathon was truly one of the highlights of my entire life. The feeling of accomplishment as I crossed that finish line was overwhelming and simply indescribable!”
Dr. Paula Lemons, SWU biology alumna from the class of 1994, reflected on her experience saying, “I thank God for the ability to run and compete and for the unmatched blessing of friends who have been there with me through years of training and traveled with me to the finish line."
Kristin Dees, SWU psychology alumna from the class of 2006, ran in the marathon for a very special reason. She ran to honor her dad, Dan Dees, who is also a SWU alumnus (class of 1980). Dan Dees was officially diagnosed with early-onset dementia and Alzheimer’s in 2019. In an effort to pay tribute to her father and try to fight for a cure, Kristin Dees ran in the 2022 Boston Marathon as a member of Team End ALZ in his honor.
Dees says, “I began the journey to the Boston Marathon thinking I wanted to experience the physical accomplishment of completing a marathon. But I crossed the finish line for entirely different reasons. For me, it evolved into an experience of community, of friends and family, of grief, and of fighting for hope in the face of Alzheimer's. Running Boston was an unforgettable experience, running it as a member of Team End ALZ was an honor, and running out of love for my dad turned it into more than just a race.”
Heath Mullikin, Director of Alumni Relations at SWU, recently interviewed Dees about her participation. You can read more about the Dees family and how you can support them at www.deesdays.com.
Southern Wesleyan University is proud of these alumni and their accomplishments at the 126th Boston Marathon.
Southern Wesleyan University is a Christ-centered, student-focused, faith-filled community that offers inventive learning experiences. The university endeavors to prepare its students to be dedicated scholars and servant-leaders who impact the world for Christ. For details about degree programs, go online to swu.edu.
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