Donor Acknowledgement - Luke Medhus

I offer my most sincere gratitude to my younger brother, Luke, for contributing to the Periclean Scholars Alumni Association in honor of my marathon accomplishment. Not only is he my brother, but he is also a conduit of success for me.

I was able to achieve success before and after the marathon in part due to Luke. Without someone to chase around and play sports with as a kid, I probably would not have been as active throughout my life and would have been less likely to undertake the marathon challenge. Without Luke coming out to watch the marathon, I probably would not have found my family so close after the race. Since he is so tall, I was able to pick him out of the crowd. Upon finding him, I was able to borrow his jacket, so I avoided hypothermia after the race.

Me & Luke, post-marathon (after I got my bag with my own jacket)

Luke, I am honored that you have contributed to the PSAA, to make a difference in the lives of some who I know through my work at Zambia and connections to Elon, as well as many whom I do not, but are Periclean partners and community members in partner nations.

Thank you, Luke.

Donor Acknowledgement - Chris Jeans

Many thanks to Chris Jeans for supporting Periclean Scholars in honor of my marathon accomplishment. Mandy and I are lucky to have caring neighbors like you that show genuine interest in how we are doing outside of puppy play time. Your contribution to the PSAA will have many positive impacts on campus, in the community, and in the global arena.

Thank you, Chris.

Donor Acknowledgement - Frances Ourada

My most sincere gratitude goes to Frances Ourada for supporting the Periclean Scholars a week before my marathon. Frances, when I saw your contribution, it gave me that extra kick to finish strong on my final long run this morning. No matter your motivation to give, know that your donation could not have come at a better time for the Periclean program and for my motivation in finishing my marathon training.

Thank you, Frances.

Donor Acknowledgement - Paul Crowell

I offer my most sincere thanks to Paul Crowell, who, upon learning of my fundraising goal for Project Pericles through running the Marine Corps Marathon, did not blink in showing support.

Paul's donation humbles me because I do not yet know him personally. He is a Vice President at my dad's company. In supporting the efforts of a family member of one of his fellow staff, Paul has demonstrated to me his commitment beyond profit - he is undoubtedly concerned about the people he works with, and the planet he serves on.

Paul exemplifies the spirit of the Periclean program at Elon, in that he gives not only when he feels like it, but when he is called to do so. He knows that giving in this manner makes the most significant difference. By listening to his staff, he allows the Periclean program to listen to our partners and make meaningful contributions in this same spirit.

I was delighted when my dad told me that Paul's son, a high school senior, is considering Elon University as one of his top college choices. If the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, I have no doubt that Paul's son will be a great fit in the Elon environment, because he would be actively involved in the campus community. In fact, I think that he would be a great Periclean, because of the manner in which he gives and by considering the family of his work family as not the "other" but as his own.

Paul, I look forward to the day that I get to meet you and thank you in person. Your contribution provides extra motivation to run well in support of Project Pericles.

Thank you, Paul.

Donor Acknowledgement - Courtney Latta

It is an honor to write in acknowledgement of Courtney Latta's contribution to my marathon journey. This is by no means her first contribution to the Periclean program. As a member of my cohort, Courtney remained fully involved and invested in our project's success - from conception through completion and to sustaining it today.

Courtney's contributions are balanced in the best way possible. She is full of adventure - always pushing us beyond our limits and energizing us with stories that make us laugh. Yet, she is also deeply spiritual and uses her values and her knowledge of her place in the world to both propel her further and keep her grounded.

During our undergraduate career, Courtney was fully immersed in the mission of Periclean Scholars. She was a constant source of ideas and inspiration for developing the project. She invited her father, a doctor and model global citizen who is connected to Haiti, to serve as a Periclean Scholar-in-Residence. She was the only student to travel to Zambia twice - both on the information gathering trip in May 2008 to Kaoma Village in the Western Province, and on the build in January 2009 to Kawama Village in the Copperbelt Province. She is featured in our video postcard, produced in summer 2008.

Courtney dedicated her life after Elon to service, as well; she served with the Children's Nutrition Program (CNP) in the village of Leogane, Haiti. Even after living through the earthquake, she put the interests of the organization and those she served above herself; she did not stop her work with CNP. She lived out her commitment to others, proving that, even though the time to give the most of yourself is when it is most difficult, it is then that it is the most necessary.

The Class of 2015 will be focusing on Haiti. Courtney's experience after Elon in Haiti will be an incredible resource for this class. Her involvement in the Periclean program, and her desire to see all projects succeed and be sustained, gives me confidence that the newest class will accomplish much. With her on our team, Pericleans have a fierce ally and advocate.

In Courtney I have a friend, a classmate, a role model, a supporter, and more. I am fortunate to have her in my life and humbled that she has contributed toward my goal.

To conclude, I will place under the cut a poem that Courtney sent to my class - a poem that I think exemplifies her nature beautifully.

Thank you, Courtney.

Donor Acknowledgement - Amanda Nieman

This acknowledgement is in honor of Amanda Nieman, who has shown to me how dedicated she is to the Periclean mission by going beyond the call of duty at work and through service.

As a Foundation Fellow at The Redwoods Group, Amanda was eligible to participate in the 2009 Zambia Periclean experience. She was selected, and during the experience it was easy to see why. Like fellow Redwoods employee Dan, Amanda showed she was adaptable to change, eager to work with college students and Zambians, and dedicated to the Periclean ideals. Amanda’s easygoing, open-minded nature earned her the trust and respect of all she encountered. She took her responsibility seriously and openly shared her heart and talents with team members and future homeowners.

Amanda's dedication to Periclean service continued last September, when she worked with Periclean Scholars for the Schools of Chiapas in Chiapas, Mexico. This project is the focal point of the Classes of 2008 and 2013 and is a model of Periclean sustainability. It is only fitting that Amanda, an individual who is dedicated to a life of service, would continue to support Periclean work at a site that epitomizes long-term Periclean sustainability.

Because of the model global citizen that Amanda has shown herself to be, I am honored to accept her contribution toward my personal goal of raising funds for the PSAA through marathon training. Amanda, your support means so much more because it comes from a person with your dedication to the Periclean ideals.

Thank you, Amanda.

Donor Acknowledgement - Jason DeLorenzo

I am honored to have received a donation to Periclean Scholars from my new runner friend, Jason (or Jay). After having met a week ago through the Spin-Offs, I know that Jay is dedicated to my marathon success. In fact, his success is vested in mine; we are training for the same race and will be a part of the 30,000 MCM elite on October 30. We both want to see each other cross that start line and finish line successfully (and not turn into zombies on Halloween).

I had mentioned this in last week's running report, but I feel I must mention it again. Jay's running this marathon with me is a true inspiration. If I had pediatric GIST - a type of stomach cancer - I might have resigned hope and never thought I could live a normal life. Yet, he is not afraid to take on challenges like the marathon and live each day to its fullest. I know that he would appreciate if I shared the link to his Life Raft Group, so I will do so in his acknowledgement. Please consider supporting this group, too.

We each get one life to live. I am thankful for the events of this past week, for they have led me to Jay as a new running buddy and encourager. In the week I have known him, Jay has proven to me that he believes in my abilities as a runner, as well as my abilities to make a difference for the causes I care most about - including Periclean Scholars.


Thank you, Jay.

Donor Acknowledgement - Kristin Schulz

I am proud to say that Kristin Schulz has contributed to the chitenge challenge. You may remember that Kristin was a shining example for all Pericleans as an undergraduate, when she introduced the solar cooker technology into communities in Ghana and was later named the very first Periclean Scholar of the Year. Kristin now leads an exemplary life as a member of the PSAA, by working as a climate advocate in Washington, DC. Since graduation from Elon in 2010, her location and organization may have changed, but her contributions to this world continue to reflect the Periclean mission. The organizations that have the opportunity to work with her and employ her are extraordinarily lucky because of how she lives her life with integrity and with the Periclean values as her compass. While I am particularly thankful for her donation toward my marathon goal, I am especially appreciative of how she supports the Periclean program through her everyday choices. They are what make her decision to give at this time so humbling.

Thank you, Kristin.

Donor Acknowledgement - Elyse Tooley

I am excited to write a donor acknowledgement for Elyse Tooley, one of my Elon friends that also settled in the Arlington, VA area after graduation. When I first moved down to the Northern Virginia area in 2009, Elyse was one of my very first friends to contact me, excited about planning get-togethers. When you are new to a city, you feel like you have to rebuild your support and social networks - but having a friend like Elyse in the area made that process so much easier for me. Since then, we still meet up and keep in touch regularly.

It is an honor to see that Elyse has contributed to the chitenge challenge. She has told me that she is excited for me to wear the red, white, and blue chitenge to work - and that I better take pictures! Elyse, don't worry - there will definitely be pictures if I meet my goal by July 31! If not, I'll still show you what the chitenge looks like in person.

One of my goals on race day is to have friends and family as spectators along the course, to keep me motivated. Elyse has told me that she will watch for me in Crystal City. This means so much to me - Crystal City is a key point on the race course, and I will now have extra incentive to beat the bridge on race day and finish the last 10K strong.

Elyse is a true and loyal friend, and I am honored to have her support as a friend - in many ways, including those listed above.

Thank you, Elyse.

Donor Acknowledgement - Tara Corbett

I am thrilled to write a donor acknowledgement for Tara Corbett, an undergraduate Periclean Scholar, Class of 2013. Thank you for answering the call of Director Tom Arcaro to support the chitenge challenge. Tara, the money that you have put forth in support of my journey will come back to you and your projects - it is an investment in Chiapas, Mexico, as it is an investment in all Periclean projects. I am excited to follow your class's journey and successes and provide as much support as I can to you. I look forward to the opportunity to meet you in person and thank you for your contributions - perhaps during the 2011 Homecoming meeting.

Thank you, Tara.

Donor Acknowledgement - Eva Situ

What a pleasant surprise to see that one of my very best friends from high school, Eva Situ, supported Periclean Scholars for the chitenge challenge! Eva, I am positive that you would love to see me in my red, white, and blue Zambian chitenge at work. While I wish that she could come out here for the occasion, there will be pictures and I will do my very best to give you the experience as if you were there. Also, as my friend whose work is most likely to cure cancer, I think you would appreciate much of the work that the Periclean Scholars Alumni Association is doing to work toward a similar goal of alleviating long-term suffering around the world - such as the clinics in Ghana and the HIV/AIDS awareness in Namibia.You are an amazing person that has just supported an amazing organization. I am honored by your contribution.

Thank you, Eva.

Donor Acknowledgement - Nancy Conklin Dukeshire

A million thanks to Nancy Conklin Dukeshire, a friend of my mom's, who made a contribution last night toward the Chitenge Challenge. Nancy, it means so much to me that you wish to see me succeed with my fundraising goal. By doing so, you have supported a great organization in Periclean Scholars - please read the blog posts tagged "Periclean Scholars" to learn more. Your donation will inspire me to stay strong during my Marine Corps Marathon journey, both in the upcoming training and at the race itself - as your donation has brought me closer to my goal. I hope that I have the chance to thank you in person on an upcoming trip home to New Jersey.

Thank you, Nancy.

Donor Acknowledgement - Eric Medhus (Dad)

At first, I was a bit surprised that my dad made a second donation, but then I read his comment: he is going to provide even more incentive to everyone to participate in the chitenge challenge on or before July 4!

Here’s my dad’s challenge to everyone:

If any current contributors (who made a donation prior to July 1) on the list of contributors makes a donation specifically towards the chitenge challenge by midnight July 4th, my dad will donate an additional $10.00 per contributor. If you receive other contributors through July 4th (have not donated prior to July 1), who make any contribution at all, my dad will add an additional $5.00 per new contributor on top of that, up to $50.

So - if you support Periclean Scholars through my active link through July 4 at midnight, your donation will be worth $5 more (if you’re one of the first 10 to donate) and $10 more if you’ve already given!

Thank you, Dad, for continuing to support Periclean Scholars by providing an incentive for new and recurring donations - and, of course, following along with the training blog and supporting me throughout the journey.

Donor Acknowledgement - Debra Koch

I truly appreciate the contributions of Debra Koch toward my Marine Corps Marathon journey. Whether Debra's contribution was made for a particular facet of the Periclean program that touched her heart, or because she wants me to succeed in my training and running, or whether she wants to help me reach my $3,580 goal, or whether it is a combination of all of the above and more, I am grateful for the action that Debra has taken. Debra, I hope that I have the chance to meet you and thank you in person on my next trip home to New Jersey.

Thank you, Debra.

Donor Acknowledgement – Dan Baum

Dan Baum is one of those incredible individuals that I would not have had the opportunity to meet had it not been for Periclean Scholars. Dan is a graduate of Duke who stayed in the Raleigh-Durham area after graduation to make a splash at The Redwoods Group, a certified b-corporation that endowed the Periclean Scholars Alumni Association. Two Redwoods Group employees were selected to participate in the Zambia experience; they were selected on criteria that the Class of 2009 chose, including their adaptability to change, willingness to work with college students and Zambians, and dedication to the Periclean ideals. Dan exemplifies all of those, which is how I got so lucky as to meet him.

While in Zambia, Dan took his mission and role seriously. He stepped up as a leader and frequently led the group in discussions over lunch and dinner. He encouraged us to think critically about the impact of building in Zambia – why we were there, what were the implications of our work, and how we can make our contributions everlasting.

Dan gets it. He understands that he cannot have a life of privilege without immense gratitude and the impulse to give back. He has chosen a career that encourages service. By returning to Duke to get his MBA, Dan has made a statement that he wishes to exhibit these values at ever-higher levels on the corporate ladder – levels that are in dire need of Dan’s caring and compassionate view of the world as a global citizen.

Dan also understands the marathon journey, having run one himself. I know that his donation of $26.20 was no coincidence – that’s exactly $1.00 for every mile. I am so thankful that Dan will be supporting my journey toward support of the Periclean mission, as well as my journey toward 26.2 miles.

Thank you, Dan. (and Go Team Eagle!)

Donor Acknowledgement - Gabriella Harrison

Today I was delightfully surprised - okay, maybe shocked is a better term - when I saw that Gabriella Harrison had donated to Periclean Scholars in support of my MCM journey. Why would I be shocked that a donation was made? I do not personally know Gabriella. She and I are complete strangers, and I have neither met her nor chatted with her. Yet, Gabriella and I share something in common: we are both training for the Marine Corps Marathon in October 2011.

Please visit Gabriella's blog at http://gabriellah99.blogspot.com/ to learn more about her and her journey! While I have still not had the opportunity to speak with her, her blog tells me the following things about her:

• She is someone who makes a difference in spite of all of the odds against her - and she wants to help others overcome their own odds.
• She is holistic in her training perspective, and she records anything that affects her running. This shows me that she is true to herself and honest in her journey.
• She is determined to educate her audience about ways to improve their training. One way that I saw this immediately was the soda graphic she posted on April 21. Another way was that she sent me her blog link!

I am still so pleasantly surprised that Gabriella would support a stranger's journey down this road. It gives me confidence that I am not only raising money for Periclean Scholars, but educating people outside the Elon community about the program and its far-reaching benefits.

Come race day, Gabriella and I certainly won't be strangers. We will be part of an elite group of 30,000, with a single goal of covering 26.2 miles in Virginia and DC. Though I won't be running with a buddy, I won't feel so alone  - because a fellow MCM2011'er will have contributed to the cause of the PSAA.

Thank you, Gabriella.

Donor Acknowledgement - Anna Yarbrough

My friend Anna just made my week by supporting Periclean Scholars and my marathon training!

Anna is one of my Alpha Chi Omega sisters from Elon that I would consider to be a true and loyal friend. She was such a great friend that my sorority family felt it worthy of giving her honorary llama family status - something that very few people have the privilege to obtain. She is one of my own, and I will be forever loyal to her as a sister.

Anna also holds another special honor: she's my pen pal! That's a word that not many people use nowadays. In my opinion, you must really consider someone to be your friend if you send them handcrafted messages and spend 44 cents on a stamp instead of sending an e-mail.

I recently received a letter from Anna in the mail. I had planned to write her back about my marathon training, and then I got sick this week. While good friends write back, good friends also don't spread germs! I sent her an interim update about my life, which included the links to my blog and my donation page - since marathon training and fundraising are such a large part of my life right now. All it took was for her to see my donation page link, and she instantly supported me.

No matter how many miles separate us, I will always consider Anna to be one of my good friends. And yes, I WILL take you up on that offer to visit sunny Florida - it will just have to be after my training!☺

Thank you, Anna.

Donor Acknowledgement - Sharon Davies

I have known Sharon since before I started my time at Elon and after she graduated Elon. She and I have many of the same interests, so she took the time to chat with me and mentor me - especially before and during my first year of Elon when I had many, many questions.

Sharon understands how important it is for alumni to remain a strong and loyal force in order for the programs they love to flourish. I have seen her continuously involved in the programs that shaped her as an undergraduate. As a student, I felt that she made me feel welcome and helped me overcome a lot of my fears about college. As an alum, I am so happy to see that she wants to help my journey that benefits Elon - now alma mater to both of us.

The Periclean Scholars Program began when Sharon was nearing graduation. This is unfortunate, because I know that if she had the chance to participate, I know she would have been a fantastic scholar. Nevertheless, her vision and mentality is Periclean, and if in the near or distant future she is asked to participate in an alumni-student trip, I know she will fit right in.

Thank you, Sharon.

Donor Acknowledgement - Tom Arcaro

How do I describe Tom Arcaro, Director of Project Pericles, to those who have never had the opportunity to get to know him? Simple: Tom Arcaro is to the Periclean Scholars Program what Steve Jobs is to Apple. Tom's guidance from the beginning through now and into the future has enabled the mission, innovation, and impact of all Periclean Scholars. His vision is the springboard for our success as cohorts. I certainly would not be writing this blog had it not been for Tom's support of my endeavors as an undergraduate and his continued belief in my ability to positively influence the world as a Periclean alum.

While we were in Kawama Community near Ndola, Zambia, working on the Eagle House (affectionately named after a local Zambian beer), Tom made an important statement to me on a day when I was particularly tired after digging latrines and carrying buckets of dirt through the sludge: this experience is a true test of character. This statement helped to carry me through the toughest parts of our journey building houses - to help prove that yes, I am strong enough to do this work and yes, it is worth it. It will now carry me through my training and through all 26.2 miles on that wonderful October morning.

Tom doesn't need to read my articles about why he should donate to the program. Tom has already given so much of his personal time, money, and effort to support us. I didn't need Tom to provide a financial contribution for him to influence my run - although by doing so, Tom has shown just one piece of evidence that he is dedicated to our individual success as Periclean Scholars, beyond our success as classes, cohorts, or programs. This contribution from Tom shows that he cares about my journey.

Thank you, Tom.

Donor Acknowledgement - Eric Medhus (Dad)

I understand that there is little that people may get out of donating to my cause other than the feeling of having done good for the world. There's no souvenir or trinket beyond the receipt that says your donation was tax deductible. As a way to reward my donors, I am going to write a donor acknowledgement for each person who donates and leaves their name (basically anything other than "anonymous") on the donation page. If I know you (or the person who referred you to the site), I will write a short entry about you, too.

My first donation came in this morning from my dad, Eric Medhus. I had been wondering if anyone was going to give at all, and admittedly, even though I have 5 1/2 months left to raise $3,580, I didn't even think I would make it to $1! My dad came through and made me believe that yes, friends and family will support me. Thank you, Dad, for giving without hesitation so that I could be strong during my run and all throughout training. I know you are committed to my journey to benefit Periclean Scholars. Even when I was at Elon, this was one of your favorite activities to brag about. "My daughter went to Zambia... to build houses with Habitat! Yeah, she did it through her university and the Periclean Scholars Program!" I know you will be so proud of me when I cross that finish line in October and help to ensure that Periclean Scholars will be around for future generations. You are helping to make future Elon parents proud of their children's accomplishments as global citizens with gentle hearts and giving spirits.

Thank you, Dad.