EXECUTIVE BOARD
President
Will Nemechek
Responsibilities: Oversees the overall strategy and goals for the organization in its entirety, along with the rest of the management team and advisor. Serves as the main point of communication and external representative of the organization.
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Why I Dance: 'I dance for those that cannot and for those who dance in our hearts. I dance for the kiddos who know more pain and hardship than most can ever even imagine. I dance in the hope that there will be more tomorrows. I dance for the chance that these children will have the opportunity to be a kid. So that they can, one day, get back to playing, smiling, laughing, and dancing as every kid should."
Email: saudm.president@gmail.com
Management Team
Eryn Cornwell
VP Finance
Responsibilities: Oversees and plans the overall financial strategy and goals for the organization. Works with the Sponsorship and Fundraising Directors. Oversees Donor Drive and tracks both online and offline donations as well as manages the St. Ambrose University Dance Marathon Budget.
Why I Dance:"I dance for more laughs, more smiles, more first, and just simply, more everything. I dance to remember those who have fought their battles and I dance for those who are currently fighting their battles. I dance so that each and every kiddo and their family knows they aren't alone in their battle against pediatric illness. And most importantly, I dance to change kids’ health and change the future."
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Email: saudm.finance@gmail.com
Katie Brewer
VP External Communications
Responsibilities: Oversees the overall strategy and goals in terms of our public presence and relationships with our surrounding communities. Works directly with the PR and Marketing, Community Outreach, and Alumni Engagement Directors.​
Why I Dance: "I dance for all the kids who are fighting and for those who have fought their battles. I dance for the kids to have more days filled with lots of smiles, laughs, and memories for them to remember for a lifetime. I dance for their families to know that we are always with them. I dance for the next generation to continue to fight for the kiddos."
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Audrey Pender
VP Internal Affairs
Responsibilities: Oversees the overall strategy and goals regarding overall event planning in addition to engagement and retention of dancers. Ensures positive relationships with each of our Miracle Families throughout the year. Works directly with the Morale, Family Relations, and Entertainment and Logistics Directors.
Why I Dance: "I dance to put smiles on all our kiddos faces. I dance so our kiddos get the chance to just be kids and have fun without worrying about doctor’s visits and needle sticks. I dance so our kiddos and their families know they have support through their battles. I dance for all of our kiddos that are dancing in our hearts. I dance for the hope that one day we can live in a world without pediatric illness."
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Board of Directors
Kennady Sparks
Morale Director
Responsibilities: Oversees all Morale Captains and keeps the energy flowing on campus throughout the year. Responsible for putting on recruitment and retention events throughout the year. Creates the Morale Dance.
Why I Dance: "I dance for more smiles, so that every child that is suffering from pediatric illness and their families know they are not alone in their fight. I dance for more tomorrows, more laughter, and more memories. I dance to honor every child suffering from pediatric illness, who has overcome pediatric illness or for those who are forever dancing in our hearts. I dance to make a difference, because kids can’t wait!"
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Email: saudm.morale@gmail.com
Allison Meyer
Family Relations Director
Responsibilities: Oversees all of the communication between our 51 Miracle Families and St. Ambrose University Dance Marathon. Plans all family events and activities. Builds close relationships with our Miracle Families who are being treated/have been treated at the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital.
Why I Dance: "I dance for more hope in our families lives, so that our families know that they will always have a family here for me. I dance for more smiles, laughter, and tears shed. I dance so more kiddos can have birthday parties, first day of school, school dances, and so much more. I dance for each one of your 61 amazing miracle families. I dance to change the future and inspire the next generation to do the same. I dance to make a difference in this world. "
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Addison Hendrick
Fundraising Director
Responsibilities: Oversees fundraising both within the St. Ambrose University community (including individuals, organizations, professors, and administration) and the Quad City area (including businesses). Plans canning and food nights for the year. Plans the annual fundraising Gala and other various fundraisers throughout the year.
Why I Dance: "I dance for the kids who cannot dance. I dance for the kids who are not able to live out their childhood. I dance for the kids in order to put on a smile and to hear their laugh. I dance to make more memories and to be involved in something that is bigger than me. I dance for others, and everything I do for this organization is for these kids. I dance for the kids forever in our hearts, the kids still battling childhood cancer, and the families experiencing worry and grief. I dance to put an end to childhood cancer, and to change kids' health for the better."
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Email: saudm.fundraising@gmail.com
Isabel Morrison
Entertainment & Logistics Director
Responsibilities: Plans all of the events and entertainment for the day of the Big Event. Includes planning music, food, games, talks, and more. Scheduling and time management will be large factors into a successful day of event.
Why I Dance: "I dance not only for every child facing pediatric illness but also for those who have received their angel wings, most notably my brother, Weston Morrison. I dance in the hope that one day these children will be able to wake up and enjoy their childhood as any other child should. I dance for the families that are experiencing unspeakable grief. I dance with the hope that one-day childhood disease will be eradicated. Every second counts because kids can't wait, so why not dance day by day, struggle after struggle, battle by battle?"
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Email: saudm.logistics@gmail.com
Annaliese Bowser
Public Relations & Marketing
Responsibilities: Manages internal and external communications of St. Ambrose University Dance Marathon. Oversees the creation of communication plans, manages social media and website platforms, oversees on-brand messaging (graphic design), apparel orders, and serves as the key spokesperson and media contact for the organization.
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Why I Dance: "I dance for all of those who can’t and all of those who are dancing in our hearts. I dance for more hope, for more firsts. I dance for more fun, for more memories for all of our amazing, strong kiddos. For all of those suffering from pediatric illness and the hope to be a light to all of the kiddos and their families. I dance to make an impact, to change kids' health and change the future. "
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Email: saudm.prmarketing@gmail.com
Savannah Schumacher
Community Outreach Director
Responsibilities: Coordinates high school mini dance marathons, and our Miracle Miles event. Spreads the name of SAU Dance Marathon in the community, as well as further help the community to understand and support the cause SAU Dance Marathon stands for.
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Why I Dance: "I dance in hope for more sunsets, more first dates, more smiles, more belly laughs, and more birthdays. I dance for the kiddos who are currently fighting their battles, and I dance to remember those who are now dancing in our hearts. I dance to support the families and their kiddos who have gone through the unimaginable. I dance to bring hope and change to children’s health so kids can simply be kids."
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Blake Tyler
Sponsorship Director
Responsibilities: Responsible for local and area business sponsors, corporate sponsors, and grant applications. Oversees soliciting community partners for cash or in-kind donations to meet committee needs and support Dance Marathon.
Why I Dance: "I dance to bring hope and joy to children and their families facing pediatric illness. My heart is in this because I want to see more smiles, hear more laughter, and create memorable moments for those who need them most. I dance to show support, honor every child’s bravery, and help families feel less alone through their trying times. I dance because every child deserves a chance to just be a kid."
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Email: saudm.sponsorship@gmail.com
Katey Harrison
Alumni Engagement Director
Responsibilities: Engages with our growing alumni and graduate student pool. Oversees outreach to each unique student group and helps collect and distribute information for St. Ambrose University Dance Marathon. Creates alumni fundraising and meet up events. As well as alumni retention programs and newsletters.
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Why I Dance: "I dance for more firsts. I dance for the kiddos to have more time doing everything they love. I dance for the families so they know that there are people here for them during these tough times. I dance for the kiddos that gained their angel wings way too early. I dance because no kid should have to deal with pediatric illnesses, the numerous pokes and sticks, and everything else that comes with fighting a pediatric illness both inside and outside of the hospital."
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Gracyn Malcolm
Advisor
Responsibilities: Overseeing the student leaders, offering advice when needed, and serving as a support system for the organization!
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Why I Dance:
"I dance for more "first's"! More first day of school, and first best friend. More first high school football game, and first school dance. More first Dance Marathon Big Event. But it's not just the "first's," it's also more birthdays, more family events, more smiles, and more of everything else that makes life great and helps us grow."
Email: MalcolmGracyn@sau.edu