The University of New England captured the College Cup at this year’s Dempsey Challenge by winning a competition among college teams to raise the greatest amount of money.
The Dempsey Challenge is an annual run, walk, cycle experience that is a major fundraiser for the Dempsey Center, a facility that provides support for people who have battled and survived cancer.
Founded by actor Patrick Dempsey, a native of Lewiston, Maine, the center offers services such as counseling, support groups for patients and their families and therapies to compliment medical treatments, such as massage and acupuncture.
The fundraising effort, spearheaded by UNE College of Pharmacy (COP) students in the Class of 2021, brought in $14,270.
“Being part of such an important event is remarkable,” stated Cassandra Lyons (COP, ’21). “The donation team UNE provided will help make a difference in lives of families that rely on the Dempsey Center.”
As winners of the College Cup, UNE students joined Patrick Dempsey on stage for recognition and photos.
“It’s an amazing feeling to be able to raise money for a charity that helps so many people fighting such a terrible disease,” said Lexi Michaud (COP, ’21). “Plus, meeting Patrick isn’t so bad either.”
Robert McCarthy, dean of the College of Pharmacy, and George Allen, Pharm.D., associate professor and chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice, showed their support by taking part in the road race portion of the challenge.
