Pitt Honors College 5K a tribute to professor, benefits ALS Association

For the second year, students in the Pittsburg State University Honors College will honor a professor who made a positive impact on their lives by organizing a run and fundraiser to benefit the ALS Association. 

The 2nd Annual “Go Forth and Conquer” 5K run, 1-mile fun run/walk will be held on Saturday, Sept. 9, at Pitt State. 

For the 13 years that Professor Craig Fuchs directed the Honors College, he wrapped up each meeting, event, or picnic with words of motivation for his students: “Go forth and conquer.”  

It made a difference, they said.  

When he announced his retirement last year after being diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, they wanted to pay tribute to him and give him some motivation. He has continued to encourage students and former students and has remained connected with the Pitt State community. 

“Go Forth and Conquer” is open to the public. It will serve as a fundraiser for the Mid America Chapter of ALS.  

Check-in will begin at 7 a.m. in the Cleveland Plaza at the west end of the Overman Student Center. 

The 5K, which will take runners around the campus and nearby Pittsburg neighborhoods, will begin at 8 a.m. The fun run/walk, which will be on campus, will begin at 8:10 a.m. 

Prizes will be awarded to 5K participants, including first place plaques to the top male and female runners and medals to the top three finishers in several age categories. 

Contact Professor Brian Moots at bmoots@pittstate.edu or 620-235-4902 for more information. 

About ALS 

ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord causing a disconnect between the brain and the body’s muscles. Scientists are still looking for a cure. 

The mission of the ALS Association is “to discover treatments and a cure for ALS, and to serve, advocate for, and empower people affected by ALS to live their lives to the fullest.”