Alumnus Dave Filipucci will meet his son Bob at the finish line of the fifth annual Freddie and Frieda 5k run/walk Saturday morning at 7:30 a.m. If it weren’t for events like the 5k, which raises money for student scholarships, Dave might not be visiting his alma mater very often.

But Bob chose BGSU just like his dad did, and is an international business major, just like his dad was. Which works out well for his dad. Dave enjoys coming to campus for most home football games, where he and his son meet up with Dave’s college roommate and his son. And connecting with those people make his three hour trip from him home in Indiana worth it.

When he was a freshman, Bob was selected for the Alumni Laureate Scholarship. The scholarship was the deciding factor in Bob’s choice to come to Bowling Green, his father Dave said. “Without the scholarship, I’m not sure. He was looking at other schools.”

The scholarship sparked Bob’s interest in alumni affairs. So, he joined the student alumni association, and spends free time helping to plan events like the 5K.

“[Being selected for the laureate scholarship] has been a good experience. It got me closer to alumni, and got me involved with these events,” Bob said.

Bob and Dave will be two of an estimated 250 participants in the 5k run/walk on Saturday, Oct. 1.

“We’re hoping for 250,” said another of the race’s organizers, Montique Cotton. She is an associate director in the alumni affairs office. “The best turn-out we had was 231 people three years ago, so 250 is a good goal.”

The race attracted 187 participants last year. But organizers are counting on higher attendance because pre-registration is up to 110 this year, which is more than last year’s 84.

Bob’s group -the student alumni association – has been promoting the 5k with fliers and table tents on campus, and mailing postcards out to former 5k running alumni. Also, the group asked local businesses to help spread the word about the event by encouraging their employees and customers to participate in the 5k.

Organizers hope plenty of alumni will sign up for the 5k, if only for a glimpse of the ever changing facade of the BGSU campus.

“[Alumni enjoy it because] it’s a lighthearted walk through campus,” Cotton said.

Alumni who haven’t been in town for five years or more will notice many changes on campus, like a new student union, new flowers and landscaping on campus, and a recently-widened Wooster Street.

“[The race] is good for alumni who haven’t been on campus in while because they can see all that has changed on campus,” Bob said.

But even frequently returning alumni may find some surprises on campus. Bob added that his parents are often surprised by the changes they see on campus during the 5k, even though his dad Dave returns to campus more often than most alumni.

“I know my parents, they’re not that old, but even they can’t believe the changes they see on campus,” Bob said.

Organizers expect to see plenty of alumni at the race, but Bob hopes that students sign up too.

“[Doing the 5k] is good for students because they can meet alumni and community members. Plus we have prizes for them. They can win a free ticket to the alumni tent at the game.”

Registration forms for the 5k run/walk are available at the Student Recreation Center and in residence halls. Or, participants may sign up Saturday morning before the race.

The cost is $20 for alumni, faculty and staff, and $10 for students. For more information, contact the alumni office at (419)372-2701.

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