FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 02/27/2007

Students Host 5K for Rwanda Relief

GREENVILLE, IL. - Greenville College students invite your participation in a Rwanda Relief 5K race March 24, 2007, at 9:00am. Proceeds from the race will support the college's Rwandan relief efforts with Food for the Hungry International. Runners will receive a t-shirt, and awards will be given to top finishers in five age groups. The race is one component of a multifaceted relief effort organized by Greenville College.

The Rwanda Project January Interterm

The Rwanda Project provides students opportunities for international service and missions, as well as advanced academic study. During a two-week January interterm a team of 15 Greenville College students and faculty traveled to Rwanda in East Africa, a country that witnessed one of the largest genocides in history, to learn and serve.

The interterm course was led by Dr. Eugene Dunkley, professor of Biology, and supported through a $10,000 donation from University Loft Co., furniture manufacturer for GC residence halls. The experience included a study of the history, cultural and political structures in Rwanda and East Africa, and service projects such as teaching English, renovating rural medical clinics, and building clean-water systems.

Liz Hehman, director of the GC Office of World Outreach and Missions, mobilizes students for these service-learning trips. As a liaison between the college and FHI for The Rwanda Project, she facilitates dialog about symbiotic learning opportunities. She states, "We learn from them as much as we transfer knowledge to them."

The Rwanda Project Overview

Plans for an international mission project have been on the minds and hearts of GC staff for years. Rwanda became a top consideration due to concerns about its struggling economy and past violence. In May 2006 a group of six faculty members met with Dr. Dwight Jackson, country director for Food for the Hungry International (FHI) in Rwanda, to explore opportunities for experiential learning and service.

GC's Rwanda Project seeks to further the country's economic recovery and ease the hardships of those living in rural Africa, dire circumstances set up by the 1994 genocides. Early that year Rwandan Tutsis found themselves at the mercy of rival Hutu militia after the assassination of the Rwandan and Burundian presidents. Between May and July, 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed. Since then, the nation has faced poverty and economic collapse.

Through its collaboration with FHI, Greenville College plans to organize multiple educational mission opportunities. "We want to mobilize students," says Dr. Norm Hall, vice president for Student Development. "The goal is to create programs that are academic and experiential ... in support of the academic aperture of the college."

Another champion of the project, Dr. Rick McPeak, has discussed building a pork processing plant. FHI donated hundreds of pigs to Rwandan farmers; however, due to a weak infrastructure, meat processing is not available. One local governor has promised to donate 400 acres for the construction of this facility.

Greenville College's mission to "transform students for lives of character and service" is apparent in the testimonies of those working with the project. "We go over there to serve, but we get transformed; it's undeniable," says Dr. Norm Hall.

Race Registration

The 5K on March 24 is a continuation of GC student involvement in relief efforts. The early registration fee, for entries received on or before March 10, is $15. The registration fee for entries received after March 10 is $20. The race begins at 9:00 a.m. in front of the Greenville College student union. Interested runners can visit the Greenville College website for a link to more information and registration form or contact student coordinator Lee O'Connor at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Greenville College is a four-year accredited Christian liberal arts school with more than 1450 traditional undergraduate, graduate, and adult degree completion students. Founded in 1892 and affiliated with the Free Methodist Church, the college is located in Greenville, Illinois, 45 miles east of St. Louis.

CONTACT:
Joel Goodman ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )
Assistant Director of Public Relations
Greenville, IL 62246
(618) 664-6515