Despite storms in the forecast, the third annual Dempsey Dash 5K and Fun Run went off without a hitch on Saturday, March 9, at Brenau University.
The event celebrates the memory of Brenau’s long-time executive vice president and CFO, Wayne Dempsey, who died May 2, 2014, at 65. For the first time this year it was a Peachtree Road Race qualifier, and it included a 1K fun run. Participation has increased over the three years of the event, with more than 180 runners registered this year, 20 of which were university employees.
Proceeds from the race benefit the Wayne W. Dempsey Endowed Scholarship Fund, established to provide assistance for students seeking a better life through a Brenau education in the College of Education or the College of Health Sciences.
Dempsey was born and raised in Rome, Georgia, where he met his wife Marsha, and came to Brenau in 2005 with the university’s new president, Ed Schrader. Although he was a science teacher early in his career, Dempsey’s forte became institutional management, and Schrader credits Dempsey for putting Brenau’s financial house in order. As the duo joined Brenau shortly before the ensuing economic crisis now known as the Great Recession, Women’s College enrollment was dropping and Dempsey’s financial expertise was greatly needed.
His focus on decreased spending, cash flow and a developed endowment formula allowed the Women’s College enrollment to skyrocket despite the challenging financial times. The financial stability he afforded Brenau allowed the university to expand its Augusta and North Atlanta campuses and to open a new campus in Fairburn in 2009 as well as its footprint in Gainesville with Brenau East Campus at Featherbone Communiversity and the Brenau Downtown Center.
But Dempsey’s legacy at Brenau is greater even than the campuses he left behind. His great love of music and his cheerfulness, even to the end, is remembered. His friends at Brenau aspire to honor Dempsey with the annual Dempsey Dash 5K.
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- Friendly group at Brenau University’s community event supporting youth athletic programs.
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- Compassionate grandmother embracing granddaughter at an outdoor event.
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- Smiling man with backpack talking to young boy at a community event in front of Brenau University campus.
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- Joyful college students celebrating outside Brenau University campus.
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- Young girl crossing the finish line at a community fun run, promoting health and wellness programs at Brenau University.
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- Older man walking with a dog during a charity race or marathon on a city street.
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- Thrilled woman celebrating at a marathon event, showcasing Brenau University’s vibrant community and active campus life.
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- Young girls participating in a community or charity race event at Brenau University, promoting health, education, and community engagement.
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- Black and gold Brenau University sign with runners passing by during a jog on a city street.
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- Race participant running on street during fun run event at Brenau University, Georgia.
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- Joyful woman celebrating after completing a marathon or race at Brenau University campus, showcasing athletic achievement and community spirit.
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- Excited students and teacher engage in outdoor activity on a school campus.
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- – Young girls participating in a community fun run or charity walk, promoting health and wellness.
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- Cheerleader in bright pink jacket leading rally at Brenau University outdoor event.
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- Medal display featuring Brenau University and 2019 awards at a sporting event.
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- Inspiring graduation success at Brenau University during community marathon event.
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- Waving man in Brenau University hat and transparent poncho at outdoor event.
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- Joyful community event at Brenau University promoting health and fitness with families and runners participating in a charity race.
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- Medal for the 2019 Dempsey Dash 5K event at Brenau University highlighting student athletics and community engagement.
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- Active man participating in a community road race event on a rainy day, promoting health and wellness as part of Brenau University’s community engagement programs.
