Georgia Southern University Students Team Up With Head Football Coach Jeff Monken to Fight Diabetes

March 28, 2011

Georgia Southern University’s nearly 20,000 students are teaming up to assist Eagle head football coach Jeff Monken in his efforts to raise awareness and funds for the American Diabetes Association’s (ADA) 2011 Kiss-a-Pig Campaign.

Several planned campus events will provide students and the campus community the opportunity to show their support for this important cause. Events will include a Campus Carnival, Dance for Diabetes and the Blue & White Eagle Rally where students will present the proceeds from their efforts to Coach Monken at 6 p.m., Friday April 15. The rally and the game, both located at Allen E. Paulson Stadium, will be free and open to the public.

“Georgia Southern is known for championships. During the next few weeks, I hope everyone will help me win a championship against other local leaders in our fight against this terrible disease,” said Monken. “This disease impacts us all. I challenge every member of the Eagle Nation to step up, get involved and help us reach our $20,000 goal.”

The Kiss-a-Pig Campaign is a contest between community leaders to raise awareness and funds for the ADA. Monken has partnered with local businessman, entrepreneur, and Georgia Southern supporter Bubba Hunt. At the end of the campaign on May 7, the team that raises the most funds will kiss Armani, the official pig mascot of the ADA. Each year, the ADA honors the pig as the original source of insulin, and the pig is kissed to represent for its role in saving lives.

“I am excited to work with the student body to support Coach Monken and the community in the fight against diabetes,” said Georgia Southern senior and Traditions Council member Taylor Jones. “It’s our way of giving back and we can make a difference.”

Teresa Thompson, Ph.D., vice president of student affairs and enrollment management agreed. “This unique campaign creates excitement for our more than 200 student organizations and gives students the opportunity to get involved. It is important that students understand their role as citizens before leaving campus, and this is one fun way to get them involved and reinforce the importance of becoming engaged in their communities. I am looking forward to seeing what they will accomplish.”

EVENTS INCLUDE:

Monday, April 4
ADA Campus Carnival: The Office of Student Activities and the Traditions Council will host a carnival at the Russell Union on campus from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with inflatables, food, fun, games and music. Students will compete to win four football tickets to the Georgia Southern vs. Alabama game, waived Homecoming fees, a recognition banner, and a special tailgate spot sponsored by Eagle Sports Marketing for the September 10 game vs. TUSCULUM at 6 p.m.

Tuesday, April 5
Dance for Diabetes: The University Wellness Program, Campus Recreation and Intramurals, and Health Services will host Dance for Diabetes in an effort to raise money for the ADA while encouraging participants to engage in a healthier lifestyle. Dance sessions will be held at the Recreation Activity Center on campus, one from 5:30 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. and from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Donations of $1 are encouraged. During the event, Health Services Health Education’s Peer Educators as well as the Wellness Ambassadors will offer free blood glucose screenings and health education. Non-RAC members are welcome. The guest fee collected for entrance into the RAC on the day of the event will also be donated to the ADA.

Friday, April 15
Blue & White Eagle Rally: The University’s Traditions Council will host a pep rally at 6 p.m. in the Eagle Fun Zone to the left of Bishop Field House at Allen E. Paulson Stadium. The Rally will feature Coach Monken and appearances by the Southern Pride Marching Band, GUS and Georgia Southern’s cheerleaders. The Blue & White Eagle Rally is free and open to the public. At the rally the Traditions Council will present Coach Monken with the proceeds that have been raised by the Georgia Southern student body.

Little Eagles Football Skills Clinic: Georgia Southern Athletics will host their annual youth clinic from 5 to 6 p.m. at Allen E. Paulson Stadium. Each participant will go through many different football drills including running the 40-yard dash, a throwing station, a punting station, a field goal station, and a shuttle drill. The Little Eagles Football Skills Clinic is free of charge. The first 50 kids to register will receive a free t-shirt courtesy of The University Store (www.gsustore.com). Registration will take place from 4 to 5 p.m. at Paulson Stadium the day of the event. Participants will have the opportunity to donate to the ADA.

Annual Blue & White Spring Game: The traditional spring game starts at 7 p.m. at Allen E. Paulson Stadium. The game is free and open to the public.