Racing for research: Student Philanthropy to host walk/run for Rich and Robin Porter Cancer Research Center

Sycamores will race for research on Oct. 1 in the Student Philanthropy Organization's inaugural walk/run to benefit Indiana State University's Rich and Robin Porter Cancer Research Center. The 1-mile walk/run will begin at 2:30 p.m. near the ISU Fountain at Dede Plaza and will be the culmination of the third annual Student Philanthropy Week.

The Rich and Robin Porter Cancer Research Center was created by a $250,000 gift from Rich and Robin Porter to support the research of five internationally competitive graduate student research fellows. The Rich and Robin Porter Cancer Research Center is a transformational boost to Indiana State's work on the disease.

"It is our hope that an Indiana State student will be part of a research team that cures some form of cancer," said Rich Porter, a 1977 ISU graduate in business management. "Our vision for the cancer center is to graduate educated students who will spend their careers working in cancer research."

Porter is a 2021 recipient of ISU's Distinguished Alumni Award. He currently serves as chair of the ISU Foundation Board and on the board of the James Cancer Center.

"We are inspired by the Porters' generosity and share the common goal of finding a cure," said Student Philanthropy Organization President Sam Bowen. "As the final event of Student Philanthropy Week, we hope this race will leave a lasting impression on Sycamores about how philanthropy changes lives."

Porter research fellow Andrew Kump, a 2016 ISU graduate, knows this impact well. "Since cancer affects nearly all families around the world, including my own, my passion for cancer research is strong, but the additional support provided by the Rich and Robin Porter Cancer Research Center has only strengthened my motivation to continue pursuing my research," Kump said.

"Being a Porter Fellow allows me the opportunity to dedicate more of my time to focus on research to uncover underlying genes involved in cancer, as well as the molecular and genetic pathways in which they work."

Sycamores can register for the race at this link. The first 200 registrants will receive a t-shirt to tie-dye at the finish line of the event. Registration is $15 for students and $25 for faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. Virtual runners may donate to the cause for $15 or a contribution of their choice. The Porters have agreed to match all donations to the research center up to $5,000.

The third annual Student Philanthropy Week will take place Sept. 27 through Oct. Visit @isu_philanthropy on Instagram and @isu_studentphil on Twitter for more information.