UTSA Diploma Dash: A Tradition of Supporting Student Success
The UTSA Diploma Dash is more than just a race; it's a vibrant, long-standing campus tradition that unites students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community members in a collective effort to bolster student success. This annual event, now in its 41st year, embodies the spirit of the Roadrunner community.
A Race with a Purpose
The Diploma Dash is the largest chip-timed 5k in San Antonio. Participants engage in a variety of categories and divisions, including masters and top dog competitions. Awards are also given to the fastest teams, students, and UT San Antonio departments.
Laura Beth Garcia, president of the UT San Antonio Alumni Board, emphasizes the significance of the event: “The Diploma Dash is one of those traditions that captures what it means to be a Roadrunner. What makes the Diploma Dash special is the impact behind every mile.”
Fundraising for Future Generations
The primary goal of the Diploma Dash is to raise funds for UTSA student scholarships. This year the Alumni Association aimed to raise more than $150,000. These scholarships provide crucial financial assistance, enabling deserving students to pursue their academic dreams.
Jacob Cavazos, the Board President of the UTSA Alumni Association, expressed his enthusiasm in an interview: “We had more registered runners than we’ve ever had before… it was over 1,000 today."
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The Event
The Diploma Dash took place on a Saturday in February. The race's start and finish line were positioned in front of the Convocation Center at UTSA’s Main Campus. Despite the cold and misty weather, the atmosphere was filled with energy and enthusiasm.
This year's event featured the support of 26 sponsors, including North Park Subaru, the event's presenter. Many sponsors set up booths and tents, providing runners with refreshments and snacks.
Participants and Winners
The race attracted a diverse range of participants, all united by their commitment to supporting UTSA students. Joaquin De La Cruz emerged as the overall winner, finishing in 16 minutes and 51 seconds. Edwards Irizarray-Santiago and Stephany Castruita were recognized as the top male and female students, respectively.
A Family Affair
For many, the Diploma Dash is a family tradition. One participant, Degennero, shared her family's connection to UTSA: “My husband has his master’s from here, my son [his] undergrad and our daughter has her undergrad, and she’ll be graduating with her master’s this spring. So it’s just to support the university that our family has attended, and they’ve gotten great educations here in their respective degree programs."
Giving Back to the Community
The Diploma Dash holds special significance for alumni who have benefited from the university's support. Jacob Cavazos, a UTSA graduate, explained: “I graduated in 2006. I was fortunate enough to receive scholarships, receive support from the university, [and] receive support from the community. And so, to be able to be a part of giving back to students, the university, it means the world."
Read also: Comprehensive UTSA Guide
A Signature Event
The UTSA Diploma Dash is more than just a race; it is a signature event that embodies the university's commitment to student success. As one speaker noted, “We’re so thankful for our [alumni], the community, students, faculty to come out and support our events, but more specifically, the UTSA Diploma Dash. It’s one of our signature events that we do every year; [it] raises dollars for students’ scholarships."
Read also: Navigating UTSA Student Services
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