Clear skies, cold temperatures for 13th Annual “Splash and Dash”
Kenmore, Washington (January 4, 2011) — More than 20 members of the Bastyr University community ushered in winter quarter on Monday, January 3rd with a chilly plunge into Lake Washington.
[protected]At noon the students, faculty and staff gathered under the distinctive pillars on the Bastyr campus before walking or jogging down the frost-covered hills of neighboring St. Edward State Park where they took part in the 13th annual “Splash and Dash” into Lake Washington.
The annual event began as a bold dare between three avid Bastyr runners more than 12 years ago and occurs regardless of snow, sleet or ice.
Rebecca Love Steward, DVM, a faculty member in the Department of Basic Sciences, noted the sunny weather and smooth water on Monday. “This is the best weather we’ve had in years,” she said. “But it’s still worth it every time.”
Before dashing into the chilly water, the group tossed rubber duckies into the lake to coax swimmers to venture farther out. Prizes, like wool hats or tea, were awarded to those who retrieved the ducks.
After the dip, the nearly two dozen swimmers hugged, high-fived and dried off before warming up on the hike back up the hills to the Bastyr University campus.
ABOUT BASTYR UNIVERSITY
Bastyr University, located north of Seattle, Washington, is an accredited institution, internationally recognized as a pioneer in natural medicine. Bastyr is the largest university for natural health arts and sciences in the U.S., combining a multidisciplinary curriculum with leading-edge research and clinical training to educate future leaders in fields such as naturopathic medicine, acupuncture and Oriental medicine, and whole food nutrition. Founded in 1978 as the John Bastyr College of Naturopathic Medicine, Bastyr University now offers more than 15 accredited degree and certificate programs. Bastyr was the nation’s first natural health arts and sciences university to receive funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Bastyr University Research Institute plays a key role in the growth of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) research. The University’s teaching clinic, Bastyr Center for Natural Health, offers quality natural health care to the greater Seattle community while providing essential clinical training for students. For additional information about Bastyr University and its teaching clinic, Bastyr Center for Natural Health, visit www.bastyr.edu or www.bastyrcenter.org.[/protected]
