September 25, 2007
Bryant To Host 7th Annual Shawn M. Nassaney Memorial Race This Sunday
Event honors Bryant student-athlete who was a victim of the Sept. 11 tragedy
SMITHFIELD, R.I. - More than 1,000 runners and walkers are expected to descend on the Bryant University campus on Sunday, September 30th, when the Shawn M. Nassaney Memorial Foundation and Bryant University host the 7th Annual Shawn M. Nassaney Memorial Cross Country Race/Walk. The race starts at 1 p.m.
The race is held in memory of the Bulldogs' former cross country
captain - a 1998 graduate of Bryant who was a casualty of United
Airlines Flight 175 on Sept. 11, 2001. The event is coordinated by
the Shawn M. Nassaney Memorial Foundation, which was established to
raise funds for the endowed Shawn M. Nassaney Memorial Foundation.
The first race, held on Oct. 21, 2001, drew approximately 400 runners, and has become the closing staple to the annual Bryant Homecoming festivities.
For runners, the event offers a challenging five-kilometer race along Bryant's cross country course. The course features a variety of terrain, ranging from flat, grassy stretches to rolling hills and wooded areas. For walkers there is a 2 mile fun walk around the Bryant University Campus. The walking course is separate from the competitive racing course and is appropriate for all fitness levels. Post race events include an All American BBQ and awards ceremony.
The race will be preceded by a brief ceremony in memory of the four Bryant University alumni - Nassaney, Lynn Goodchild '98, Jason Coffey '98, and William Lum Jr. '78 - and all of the victims lost on Sept. 11.
For those who wish to participate but are not interested in competitive running, a two-mile walk around the Bryant University campus will be held simultaneously.
The entry fee for the race and the walk is $30 per person, $15 for students with proper ID, through Sept. 27 and $35 on the day of the race. The fee includes a commemorative long-sleeved t-shirt; a program and a barbecue after the race. Cash and prizes will be awarded. For more information or to pre-register, go to www.shawnmnassaney.org or call 508.883.0662
Who was Shawn M. Nassaney?
Shawn M. Nassaney, born on July 7, 1976 grew up with his mother, father and two brothers in Pawtucket, Rhode Island as a devoted Yankees fan. He attended Saint Raphael Academy, where he developed an interest in running and became a star on the track team. He went on to attend Bryant College in Smithfield, Rhode Island and graduated cum laude in 1998 with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing, while leading Bryant's track and cross-country programs. While at Bryant, Shawn was a 2-time recipient of the coveted "Bulldog Award," for ability and commitment to the athletic program.
In June 1998, Shawn's professional career started as an Inside Sales Representative with American Power Conversion (APC) in West Kingston, Rhode Island. In his three-year career he was an exceptional employee and quickly earned numerous promotions. His continued high performance merited a prestigious international assignment that relocated him to the company's Pacific & Asia headquarters in Sydney, Australia in December 1999. He returned in December 2000 to APC's corporate headquarters in Rhode Island to accept the role as a Sales Team Leader for the Company's Enterprise Customer Solutions Team. He began coursework in the MBA program at Providence College in May 2001.
Best known for his unending enthusiasm and drive, Shawn quickly gained the respect and friendship of his friends, family, classmates, teammates, his colleagues and all levels of management. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those countless people he touched all over the world. He had a contagious love of life, infectious smile, and was a natural leader who mentored and instilled his sense of values, passion and drive for excellence.
What is the Shawn M. Nassaney Memorial Foundation?
The Foundation was founded by the Nassaney family along with close friends and colleagues to honor the memory of Shawn in a way that is consistent with his interests and passion for life.
The objective of the Foundation is to honor the memory of Shawn in a way that is consistent with his interests and passion for life. The first accomplishment of the Foundation was the establishment and full funding of an endowed scholarship at Shawn's alma mater, Bryant College, which bears his name. Now that the scholarship is fully endowed, the Foundation is considering other programs and ventures.
For more information, you can write to the foundation at:
Shawn M. Nassaney Memorial Foundation
P.O. Box 911
Millville, MA 01529
What activities does the Foundation support?
Currently the Foundation makes gifts to the Shawn M. Nassaney Memorial Scholarship Endowed Fund and NCAA Champs Life Skills Program at Bryant University, St. Raphael's High School and St. Theresa's Elementary School in Pawtucket, RI. From time to time, the Foundation's Board of Directors will consider other worthwhile activities and programs that reflect Shawn's character, leadership skills and personal interests.
