News Release
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Frozen Toes and Warm Hearts
Wilmington University Chapter of Pi Gamma Mu braves the beach in winter for charity
Where were you on the first Sunday in February? If you were not one of the near record breaking number of "polar bears" who headed downstate to Rehoboth Beach this year, you can rest assured that the Wilmington University students, faculty and friends who took a winter afternoon dip into the icy cold water on February 5 had a good reason for doing so.
For the seventh year in a row, a Wilmington University team took part in the Lewes Polar Bear Plunge, an annual fundraising event benefiting Special Olympics Delaware. More than 40 beach-goers, led by the WilmU chapter of Pi Gamma Mu tested the chilly waters of the Atlantic Ocean. As of this writing, this chapter of the international honor society for social sciences raised $3,676 for this worthy cause.
"While the average person may think it's crazy to jump in the water, I thought it was fun in a strange way," said WilmU student Cary Smythe, afterwards. "Honestly, I don't believe going into freezing water is natural for anyone. But this event is in support of a good cause that benefits a lot of different people."
According to Special Olympics Delaware, the air temperature at Rehoboth on Sunday was 52º F and the water 41º ... balmy weather compared to previous years' plunges, when temperatures have been in the low 30s.
Still, Smythe compared the experience to "trying to take a really quick shower" after everyone else in the house has drained the hot water heater. "Don’t get me wrong; it was cold, but I had a great time," he said, adding that he would do it again if given the opportunity.
Overall, 3,602 participants raised $900,000 for the charity, which sponsors athletic training and competitions for children with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Delaware has been hosting the Polar Bear Plunge since 1992.
"It was great fun, and so many of the students said they just did not realize how festive this was," said Dr. Johanna Bishop, director of behavioral science programs and advisor to WilmU's Pi Gamma Mu chapter. "I've been plunging for seven years! Once you've done it a few times, it gets easier because you know what to expect. And it's always fun to see how students react."
Not every fundraiser braved the waves, however. A few provided support (and towels) from the beach. And one WilmU student ran the 5K Run to the Plunge on the day before. "My mom and I try and run as many 5Ks as we can," said Haley Belcher, who completed the course in under 40 minutes. "They are always for a great cause, which helps."
"This is about learning to 'give back,' and to have fun doing it," said Dr. Bishop. "So many students find out how much fun it can be to join with others to do something for a greater good. In Pi Gamma Mu, we emphasize the adage, 'from those to whom much has been given, much is expected.' While we appreciate that each of us has been endowed with special gifts, we also appreciate that we need to share our gifts with others."
Smythe said he saw appreciation for giving back before he had even toweled off. "I believe people often get discouraged working with charities or volunteer work because they feel their contribution is insignificant or they do not see the direct impact they make," he said. "At the event, there were athletes from the Special Olympics of Delaware shaking hands and thanking people as they got out of the water."
About Wilmington University
Wilmington University is a private, nonprofit institution committed to providing flexible, career-oriented, traditional and online associate, undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs. Ranked as the second fastest growing nonprofit doctoral institution in America 2004 – 2014 by The Almanac of The Chronicle of Higher Education, affordable tuition, academic excellence and individualized attention are hallmarks of the University that enable greater student success in their chosen careers. For more information, contact Wilmington University at 302-356-INFO (4636), via email at infocenter@wilmu.edu, or visit our website: www.wilmu.edu.
