FAYETTE, IA (07/13/2018) As the 46th RAGBRAI (Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) fast approaches, Upper Iowa University's (UIU) Team Peacock is ramping up its annual fundraising campaign and is striving to raise over $25,000. As in past years, the 2018 team members have set individual goals in raising funds for a select UIU project or program that each individual is passionate about. Last year's Team Peacock participants raised more than $37,600 for UIU.
The 2018 Team Peacock roster includes over 25 Upper Iowa University faculty, staff, alumni, and other friends of the University who will officially ride with or support the team. In addition to a $1.15 million Recreation Center Enhancement Project and various scholarships, the beneficiaries from this year's fundraising effort will include UIU Emergency Student Aid Fund, UIU Mock Trial, London and Paris Study Abroad, School of Business Firth Dean's Fund, Andres School of Education Betty's Team Fund, UIU Composting Program, UIU Wrestling, UIU President's Home, Peacock Athletic Fund, and 2018 Class Gift Campaign.
"Each year, Team Peacock and the entire University are overwhelmed by not only the donations we receive but also the spirted support of alumni and friends as we ride through RAGBRAI communities," UIU Director of Alumni Relations, Stewardship and Communications Brenda Luzum said. "All contributions greatly benefit current or future UIU students, and the opportunity to reunite with other Peacocks along the route provides a special incentive to each of the riders on those especially tough days during RAGBRAI week."
Team Peacock will join approximately 10,000 other riders in making the 428-mile trek across Iowa in 2018. Team Peacock is scheduled to depart in support vehicles from Victory Gate at Fayette Campus on Saturday, July 21. The RAGBRAI journey begins in Onawa on Sunday, July 22. Overnight stops will take place in Denison, Jefferson, Ames, Newton, Sigourney and Iowa City. As is tradition, the bicycle tires will be dipped in the Mississippi River this year in Davenport on Saturday, July 28.
For additional information on the Team Peacock participants, their respective causes, and how you can provide your support, go to uiu.edu/SupportTeamPeacock. Follow Team Peacock throughout RAGBRAI on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/teampeacock.
About Upper Iowa University Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs to about 5,800 students-nationally and internationally-at its Fayette, Iowa, campus, 20 U.S. education centers, as well as centers in Malaysia and Hong Kong. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and self-paced degree programs. With a focus on developing leaders and lifelong learners, UIU provides dual enrollment programs for high school students as well as continuing education and professional development opportunities for learners of any age. For more information, visit www.uiu.edu.