"TEAM L.A.R.A." - A 10th ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE

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Lara's Legacy

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THE RUNNERS

Amy Bracken; Detroit Marathon, Oct. 18, 2015 Amy was a fellow biology major and Pi Beta Phi sister of Lara's at DePauw University. She was positively impacted by Lara's infectious enthusiasm in all endeavors, whether she was being a "Patty Pi Phi" or conducting a late-night Human Anatomy study session. Amy began running while she was in graduate school, and has since completed five marathons and one ultramarathon. This fall she's running the Detroit Marathon, and hopes to achieve a Boston Marathon qualifying time right there in Lara's hometown. Amy is now a psychology professor at Franklin College, just south of Indianapolis. As an educator, she consistently sees first-hand the huge impact that scholarships make for individual students. She is honored to participate in this effort to sustain the Lara Rutan Scholarship and to promote Lara's personal legacy of love and sunshine.


Michael Dean; Chicago Marathon, Oct. 11, 2015 Mike is Lara's younger cousin. Born less than a year apart, the two shared a close friendship among the chaos that ruled Rutan Family holidays and reunions. Mike often found himself listening intently during much of their time together while Lara extolled relationship advice with wisdom beyond her years. Mike lives in Chicago and will be running his 7th consecutive Chicago Marathon this October. Between long runs and ice baths he makes a living giving tax advice. He is unmarried and admittedly should have listened to Lara a little more closely when it came to matters of love. Mike has a deep belief in family and scholarship and is honored to raise money in Lara's memory for such a worthy cause.


Christi Dee; Chicago Marathon, Oct. 11, 2015 Lara was one of Christi's best friends. They met freshman year in college living in the same dorm and quickly became close. They spent their years at DePauw University in the same sorority, Pi Beta Phi, roomed together, made wonderful memories surprising each other on college breaks, went on many vacations together and could usually be found laying out on the Pi Phi sun deck. From the beginning, Christi was deeply impacted by Lara's energetic spirit, unwavering friendship and loyal support. Everyone Lara met was influenced by her enthusiasm and love for life. Continuing to positively touch the lives of others through the Rutan scholarship, directly mirrors Lara's impact on those who came into contact with her. Christi began running shortly after Lara's passing. She is running her 19th marathon on October 11, 2015. Christi has always felt compelled to find a way to pay tribute to her beautiful friend. Combining her love for running with scholarship fundraising seemed to be the best way. Christi reached out to Rick and Judy explaining her idea to run the Chicago Marathon as a solo fundraiser. The idea quickly grew from a singular initiative to a group effort. With the help of the Rick and Judy, this amazing virtual team of runners was created. Each person is running their own race, but with a common mission and desire: to honor the legacy of a beautiful young woman who impacted them in some way.


Meggie Dials; Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon, November 7, 2015 Meggie Dials is a 2003 graduate of DePauw University and was a sorority sister of Lara's at Pi Beta Phi. Meggie was always inspired by Lara's zest for life and consistent energy. No one loved Pi Phi more than Lara and it was contagious! Meggie started running in 2005 and has completed 12 marathons, 1 ultra marathon, 2 Ragnar Relays and countless other races. This fall, she will be running the Monumental in November (full or half- TBD). Her day job is that of a Sales Leader for Salesforce Marketing Cloud and she spends her spare time traveling and exploring her city of Indianapolis with her husband (also a DPU grad) and friends, many of which she met in college. She is excited and honored to be part of this fundraising and running event. To be able to stand on that start line with Lara in her head and her heart will no doubt make it an emotional and empowering race.


Marilyn Dredge; St. Louis Halloween Half, Oct. 11, 2015 Marilyn was also one of Lara's sorority sisters at Pi Beta Phi at DePauw University. Lara and Marilyn became close during their junior year, and were roommates for the remainder of college. Marilyn never tired of Lara's constantly uplifting sparkle and personality. She admired how Lara never hesitated to help anyone, and truly exemplified love at all times and with all people. In addtion to raising her two boys, Marilyn serves on two Boards in St. Louis, Missouri that support under-resourced and at-risk youth in education. She also volunteers in under-resourced schools providing elementary school children with basic needs, such as coats and school supplies. Through her philanthropic experiences, Marilyn has seen how truly life changing an education is and how difficult it can be for many to attain. This s why she is excited to run for Lara and the amazing legacy her parents have created - the LARA Scholarship Fund. Marilyn began running shortly after the birth of her second child. She will be running her first half marathon on October 11, and couldn't imagine a better motivation to get her across the finish line.


Kate Ewing; St. Louis Halloween Half, Oct. 11, 2015 Kate was one of Lara's Pi Phi sisters at DePauw. From the time they met, Kate could count on Lara to study, to take her to a party at Wabash, order late night Marv's, or talk about being homesick. Lara's enthusiasm, love of Pi Phi and dedication to her friends were a bright spot in everyone's day. After college, it was not unusual to get a random card or phone call from Lara just to say hi. On October 11th, Kate will celebrate her 36th birthday by running the GO Halloween Half marathon in St. Louis in Lara's memory. Kate is currently the marketing manager for Mosby Building Arts in St. Louis, as well as an adjunct marketing professor. As an educator, Kate understands the impact a scholarship can make for a student and can't wait to carry on Lara's legacy by making a positive difference for someone else.


Ashleigh Finazzo; Chicago Half Marathon, Sept. 27, 2015 Ashleigh Finazzo is a 2015 graduate of Wayne State University and recipient of the Lara Rutan Endowed Scholarship. Ashleigh is currently working in an underserved Family Medicine practice in Detroit. Ashleigh did not begin running until last year, as a way to stay in shape during PA school. She is running her first race, the Chicago Half Marathon, with her Fiancé Sam, as a way to prepare for their upcoming wedding. As a recipient of the Lara Rutan Endowed Scholarship, it is important to Ashleigh to help maintain the funds for the scholarship, and ultimately for them to grow. PA school is stressful and trying to figure out how to pay bills during it adds more unwanted stress. Ashleigh wants to be sure the scholarship continues to both honor Lara’s memory, and to help alleviate some of the stress of future students. She feels so fortunate to have met the Rutan family, their kindness and passion is infectious, and allows the memory of Lara to live on each year


Alexandra Godfrey; Running with the Elves 5k and 10k, Dec. 5, 2015 Alexandra Godfrey, MS, PA-C works at the School of Medicine, Wake Forest University where she teaches first and second year PA students. She also practices emergency medicine in two very different ERs; one is in suburbia and the other is located in rural Appalachia. Alexandra graduated as a PA from Wayne State University in 2010 and was the second Rutan Endowed Scholarship recipient. After graduating, she practiced in emergency medicine at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor. Before becoming a PA, Alexandra trained as a physical therapist in the United Kingdom, where she was born and raised. She worked in the British National Health Service for several years, with special concentration on critical care. Alexandra has a keen love of language and literature. She combines this with her medical practice by writing narrative medicine essays for the national physician assistant journal, JAAPA, for which she also serves on the editorial board. She loves biking, kayaking, running, hiking, and climbing and is happiest when sharing these outdoor activities with her four rambunctious children and crazy husband. This fall Alexandra will run a 10K alongside her husband Peter, and their kids will run a 5k in support of LARA.


Traci Phillips; Icarus 24 hour Ultra Marathon, Nov. 21, 2015 Traci is a 2003 graduate of DePauw University and was a sorority sister of Lara's. Lara was an RA in Traci’s dorm her freshman year - her radiant personality and caring demeanor greatly influenced Traci’s decision to join Lara’s sorority, Pi Beta Phi. As an avid runner since she was 12 years old, Traci has completed more than 15 ultramarathons, a few marathons and at least 30 half marathons since graduating from DePauw. This fall, she will compete in the Icarus 24 hour Ultra Marathon in Fort Lauderdale, FL in memory of Lara and in support of the Lara Rutan Scholarship. She is honored to be included in this beautiful gesture to remember Lara’s jubilant and positive spirit. Traci is currently a 1st grade teacher and formerly a Varsity Cross Country Coach at Pine Crest Preparatory School in Florida. In her spare time, she enjoys paddle boarding, traveling, and soaking in the great outdoors.


Valerie Rouls; Brooksie Way 10k, Sept. 27, 2015 Valerie graduated from Wayne State University with a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies in 2013. Valerie now lives with her husband, Evan and her dog, Layla in Clinton Township, Michigan and works in trauma/surgery at a level one trauma hospital. Running became a large part of her life several years ago during PA school, as it was a free way to exercise and relieve stress. She also found it to be a fun activity to do with her marathon running sister. Running became Valerie's favorite hobby. Valerie is also very passionate about education, and enjoys teaching her patients, as well as the medical and PA students at the teaching hospital at which she works. Being a Rutan Scholarship recipient herself, she is excited to give back and participate in the Lara Rutan Scholarship Fundraiser to assist others in obtaining their dream in becoming, what Valerie thinks, is one of the most amazing and rewarding professions in the world.


Kristin Smigielski; Indianapolis Monumental Half Marathon, Nov. 7, 2015 Kristin is a 2003 graduate of DePauw University and was a member of the 2000 Pi Beta Phi pledge class. She remembers Lara as being one of the friendliest and most inclusive girls in the sorority. She always had a smile on her face and certainly showed her spirit for her Pi Phi love. Kristin cherishes the countless times they spent together at the pub and going out. Up until this point, Kristin has only run small races. This is her first half marathon. She has been planning on running this race since last spring, but the addition of running in Lara's honor is the ultimate motivation to push through. If all goes well, she hopes to continue running this distance. Kristin is the Associate Director of Transfer Admission at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She is currently working towards her Master's degree in High Education at the U of I. It is Kristin's hope that the money raised for the Lara Rutan Scholarship fund will benefit the needs of many deserving students working towards their dream.


Serena Smith; That DAM Half, Lewisville, TX, Oct. 18, 2015 Serena met Lara Freshman year at DePauw and from there her life was forever changed by the best friend she could ever have. Lara was amazing. They got to room together, drive to see Wabash soccer games together, take fun trips across the country, and make their way through 4yrs of college where you learn to find yourself and determine who you want to be and what you want to do when you “grow up”. Lara’s warmth, compassion, and fun loving spirit touched all she met. Serena remembers watching her study thick science books in her bottom bunk, and of course always working on “Patty Pi Phi” arts and crafts on the floor which she was making to brighten someone’s day. Lara was, and continues to be, a constant motivation. She was the perfect person to be a PA. Helping others, healing, changing lives. Although Serena has been distance running and playing soccer since age 6, this will be Serena’s first ½ marathon, and probably the last until the next Lara race. There couldn't be a better reason to run: To pass on Lara’s dream and have her life once again impact students who will care for thousands of others, just the way Lara cared and continues to watch over all of us.


Christina Truelove; Peoria Half Marathon, Oct. 18, 2015 Christina is a 2002 graduate of DePauw Univeraity. Lara was her freshman year roommate at DePauw. They spent many nights studying together as Christina was also a biology major! In memory of Lara, her oldest daughter shares Lara's middle name. Christina has been a runner since high school, participating in track and cross country. She was on the track team while at DePauw, throwing javelin, discus, etc. She tried many times to get Lara to go out on runs with her during college but was never successful in convincing her. Christina currently works in diabetes research. She has 4 little ones who know all about Lara and the amazing person she was! Christina is running this race in memory of Lara, hoping for a personal best on this run and to help raise money for her scholarship.


Sara Wilchowski; Detroit Half Marathon, Oct. 18, 2015 Sara Wilchowski is a 2012 graduate of Wayne State University and a recipient of the Lara Rutan Scholarship. Sara currently works in Warren, Michigan practicing in Dermatology. Being a collegiate athlete, Sara has always been into fitness and staying in shape. Although not an avid runner, this will be her third half marathon and this time while battleing a disease. But this isn’t about that. To Sara, this is about Lara’s legacy. Since the day she met the Rutan family she knew they would forever be connected and always hold a place in her heart. Even though she never met Lara, receiving the scholarship has impacted her on a variety of levels. The Rutan’s took a horrific tragedy and turned it into something beautiful. Lara's legacy continues to live on through the scholarship, as each recipient has a piece of her to carry with them, allowing her spirit to live on.