Alumna remembered through annual 5K
The Delta Sigma Pi (DSP) fraternity held its 4th annual Casey 5K, in honor of Casey Doolin ’12, on March 24.
Doolin lost her battle against leukemia in 2013. While a student on Hawk Hill, she was a member of DSP, an orientation leader, served as a Hawk Host and participated in a variety of different service opportunities through campus ministry.
The Casey 5K donates its proceeds to the Casey E. Doolin Foundation. According to the foundation, the organization was started in honor of Doolin’s dedication to service and her compassion for helping those in need.
The organization is based on 23 acts of kindness, one for each year that Doolin was alive. Part of the foundation’s mission is to ask that people perform 23 acts of kindness in her memory.
The memorial fund provides financial assistance to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, St. Joe’s campus ministry, the Office of Student Life and the Worker School.
Doolin was a brother in DSP, and members remember her importance to the fraternity, despite many of them not knowing her personally.
“Casey was a really important part of our brotherhood,” said Anne Donnelly ’20, one of the event’s lead planners. “Even though none of us have met her, from what we know about her from her family and alumni, she is a big reason why DSP is what it is.”
DSP was able to raise over $8,000 through a combination of sponsorships from different businesses and the 5K. The event reached a record breaking total of 264 participants, surpassing its goal of 150 participants.
“Our largest number we had in the past was 180,” said Kristin Thompson ’18, the other lead planner of the event. “264 was really great, it was from the support of our brothers in DSP, our pledges and from the orientation team as well being a part of the event, made for a really successful event.”
A brother of DSP and a participant in the 5K, Christopher Copeck ’20, was excited to have a large number of participants at the 5K.
“It’s really great, its the largest number we’ve had,” Copeck said. “Everyone seemed to have a great time. I know I did.”
Copeck added that the Casey 5K creates a sense of community.
“The 5K is one of my favorite events,” Copeck said. “It is great to see everyone come together for an amazing cause.”