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On the 30th anniversary of IUDM, we would like to honor some of the inspiring alumni who embodied the FTK spirit and paved the way for what IUDM is today. Here is a message from Ron Jose.
Why did you begin your journey with this organization?
When I was a freshman, Todd Morris (IUDM President ’92) wanted me to join this INCREDIBLE student organization that they started up, once he told me about the cause – I was in! He could be pretty persuasive :) I danced that first year and was hooked! My IUDM career culminated when I had the extreme honor of being President in ’96. What an unbelievable journey and experience – Thank you Todd!
What do you believe has been your greatest impact on IUDM?
Just being able to help kindle the contagious tradition of action minded, unselfish students raising money for kids -- there are a ton of student organization opportunities at IU, but it takes a special kind of mojo to choose to do IUDM. But if I’m being honest – the impact that IUDM made on me, to this day – I’ll never be able to repay back.
What is your favorite IUDM memory?
I don’t know that I have just one – the kids, their families, the amazing student leaders that surrounded me every day, late night planning sessions in that tiny 2 room office, that last scripted hour of every dance marathon… the final line dance, the big circle, and revealing the total of ALL the hard work that EVERYONE put in that whole year… you just can’t beat that!
"Humbled… proud… ECSTATIC -- we imagined big things, but nothing compared to what you all have continued to build, just absolutely nothing short of AMAZING!!!"
I'm so glad they used my story in this article as I was very proud to cover the marathon after being actively involved in the first 4 marathons.