This week’s Campus Celebrity is Ellen Kussmann. Ellen is a sophomore, here, at UNCO and is majoring in pre-nursing. One of UNCO’s top programs. Ellen is a new member in her sorority, Alpha Omicron Pi, and is already very active in the chapter. Aside from being involved in her sorority, and her studies, she is also one of the organizers for Relay for Life. Relay for Life is an event where students on campus come together to help raise money for cancer research. At Relay for Life there are teams that raise money, and work towards being the team to raise the most money. Each Relay event lasts for 24 hours to show that cancer never sleeps. For that reason it is asked that at least one person from each team is walking the track at all times.
HC: Why is Relay for Life so important to you?
Ellen: Cancer has affected my life in several different ways. I was taught by my grandma at a very young age to always be a fighter because I was her granddaughter. I also lost her to lung cancer at a very young age. I relay to carry on her legacy and to find a cure to this awful disease.
HC: What did you have to do as an organizer for Relay?
Ellen: As a committee member, we organized every part of relay. I helped with team development and getting everyone excited and informed about the event.
HC: Do you think that UNC has really supported Relay this year?
Ellen: I think relay is definitely supported by UNCO, but it could also be better advertised. Cancer is something that affects nearly everyone and it’s truly a special way to bring people together.
Ellen has made an impact in the Greeley community by organizing Relay for life. She has gone to different organizations on campus to promote Relay and work towards getting our whole campus involved. Thank you for everything that you do Ellen! You truly have become a celebrity on our campus.