Indiana Wesleyan University senior Kyle Barry recently became one of twenty college seniors across the nation to receive the 2017 Miracle Network Dance Marathon Distinguished Leadership Award. The honor recognizes students for making an exceptional impact within their Dance Marathon program, on their individual campus and for their local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.
The Miracle Network Dance Marathon is a philanthropic event held at approximately 300 colleges and universities for the purpose of raising funds for their local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Events typically include dancing, games and crafts as participants raise money for hospitalized children.
Barry, a Management and Finance major, was involved with Dance Marathon in high school and was instrumental in establishing Dance Marathon at IWU this year. He served as founding co-president during the 2016-2017 school year and led the planning process for IWU’s inaugural marathon. The event was held on March 24-25 in the Recreation and Wellness Center and raised a total of $13,147.80. All funds were donated to Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis.
“This year was the first year of the marathon at IWU and the goal was exceeded,” said Denise Brehmer, faculty sponsor of IWU Dance Marathon and assistant professor of Pre-licensure Nursing. “Kyle shows his passion for the marathon by energizing and engaging others on the committee. His leadership was instrumental to the success of IWU Dance Marathon.”
“Leading Dance Marathon is easily one of, if not the, single greatest thing that happened during my time at Indiana Wesleyan University,” said Barry in an interview with Children’s Miracle Network hospitals. “It taught me the importance and the impact of gathering together for a single cause and the exponential growth that occurs when we stand united for something.”
Barry plans to graduate from IWU in December of 2017. Post graduation, he hopes to establish an alumni program for IWU Dance Marathon.