The Western Mindanao State University United General Alumni Association, Inc. (WMSU UGAAI) transformed a simple 3K run into a powerful catalyst for community engagement, successfully launching what promises to be a year filled with vibrant alumni activities. The “Alumni 3K Fun Run” transcended the boundaries of a mere race, serving as the inaugural event in a series designed to strengthen bonds between alumni, students, faculty, and the wider Zamboanga community.
The event, held on a sun-drenched Saturday morning, saw hundreds of participants, from energetic students to seasoned alumni and enthusiastic families, converge at Gate 1 of WMSU. The route, culminating at the iconic Grandstand, became a symbol of unity and shared spirit, as runners of all ages and backgrounds crossed the finish line.
Competitive spirits soared as runners vied for top honors in various categories. The prize distribution reflected the event’s commitment to recognizing achievement:
• Alumni, Family, and Open Categories:
o Gold: ₱5,000.00
o Silver: ₱3,000.00
o Bronze: ₱1,000.00
• Student Category:
o Gold: ₱3,000.00
o Silver: ₱2,000.00
o Bronze: ₱1,000.00
o 4th to 10th Placers ₱500.00
Adding to the excitement, a raffle draw was held, with generous prizes of ₱500.00 each awarded to lucky winners, courtesy of Ms. Dadah Kiram Ismula and Ms. Ne’ De Zamboanga.
Beyond the thrill of the race, the event underscored the WMSU UGAAI’s commitment to fostering continuous engagement beyond the traditional December homecoming.
WMSU President, Dr. Ma. Carla A. Ochotorena, expressed her enthusiastic support for the event, emphasizing its significance in strengthening the university’s ties with its alumni. “The success of the Alumni activities is the success of the University,” she stated. Dr. Ochotorena, being a nurse herself and a staunch advocate for physical and mental well-being, highlighted the Fun Run’s role in promoting a healthy lifestyle within the WMSU community.
The WMSU Alumni 3K Fun Run served as more than just a physical activity; it marked the beginning of a year-long initiative to strengthen community ties and foster a vibrant alumni network. This event, the first of many, sets a precedent for continuous engagement, reinforcing WMSU’s vital role in the lives of its graduates and the development of the broader Zamboanga community. The University and the Alumni Association are excited to continue building on this success in future events. (Dr. Carl Richard C. Dagalea, WMSU UGAAI PIO)
Video from: Mass Communication Department, CLA