The College of Science and Mathematics is racing to achieve a longtime goal of former dean Marie Wooten.
COSAM will host the Marie W. Wooten Memorial 5K May 7. The 5K will begin at 8 a.m., and the one-mile walk will start at 8:45 a.m.
Brook Moates, development coordinator for COSAM, said the college was "completely shocked and devastated" by Wooten's death.
Moates said strong leadership throughout the University has helped them move forward.
Hosting a 5K for scholarships was a longtime goal for Wooten.
All proceeds from the race will go to the Marie W. Wooten Memorial Scholarship fund.
"We thought that this would be the perfect way to honor her and continue her legacy in COSAM," Moates said.
Auburn-Opelika Running and Track Association will also help honor Wooten's memory in their organization by tabulating results and assisting with race registration.
Alvin Walls, member and former president of AORTA, said he remembers Wooten participating in most of AORTA's races, and added that she usually placed in the top three within her age group.
"We'll have people there helping at the finish line and wherever they're needed," Walls said. "Volunteers are a big part of it."
Anyone wanting to volunteer at the event or make donations should contact Moates at 334-844-2931.
Registration is $20 for the 5K and $15 for the one-mile walk.
Applications may be completed online at www.auburnrunning.org or by submitting an application in 229 Science Center Classrooms.
Participants are encouraged to preregister by April 29 to ensure they receive a T-shirt. Race day registration will begin at 6:30 a.m. at the Beard-Eaves Coliseum.
"This is something that she always wanted to do," Moates said. "I think she'd be very excited to know that we're making it happen."
Charles Savrda served as a professor and chair of geology and geography before being named interim dean of COSAM.
"He filled a void we really needed," Moates said. "He's sticking with what her outlook for the college was and trying to make sure that everything she envisioned for the college continues coming to fruition."
Wooten was killed Nov. 5, 2010 after being struck by a car while running on campus.
Wooten was named dean in August 2010--twenty-three years after joining Auburn's faculty.
Wooten was hailed in the science community for her discovery of a genetic link between obesity and Alzheimer's disease.
In Auburn, she is remembered for her contributions to COSAM and her discipline as a runner.
"She ran every day," Moates said. "She participated in races and was very proud of her abilities as a runner."
"She was always pretty busy and obviously very disciplined," Walls said. "She cared about her fitness and made time to run."'
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