Get ready to step up for heart health. Lone Star College-University Park (LSC-University Park) renews its commitment to foster a heart-healthy community by hosting the American Heart Association's (AHA) Northwest Harris County (NWHC) Heart Walk on Saturday, October 28.
"The Heart Walk is not just an event; it's a celebration of community," said LSC-University Park Acting President Seelpa Keshvala, Ph.D. "Lone Star College-University Park is thrilled to serve as a gathering place where students, employees and community members unite for a noble cause."
This year is the eighth time LSC-University Park has hosted the AHA NWHC Heart Walk. An estimated 1,000 walkers - including LSC-University Park students and employees, local hospitals, school districts, businesses, and community organizations - are expected to participate. The event will be a fun-filled day for the whole family, including pets.
The day begins with a lively Expo at 8 a.m., offering heart-healthy informative vendor booths, giveaways, and an interactive Kids' Zone. Dana Tyson of 99.1 FM will serve as the event emcee, and LSC-University Park staff member, Jacelle Ortiz, will perform the national anthem. Fernando Sosa of Sosa's Strength and Conditioning will lead the pre-walk warmup. Katie Rigby, EVP of Human Resources for First Community Credit Union in Spring, Texas, chairs this year's event. The walk will kick off at 9 a.m. at the Energy and Manufacturing Institute parking lot at LSC-University Park.
The effects of heart disease and stroke can significantly alter lives. This year's "I Walk to Save Lives" initiative allows those participating in the Heart Walk to articulate and share their personal motivations for walking, thereby inspiring others.
Heart disease and stroke are the nation's No.1 and No. 5 killers. Since the inception of the Heart Walk, mortality rates from cardiovascular disease and stroke have decreased by 45%. Organizers hope to raise $300,000 this year.
"We are incredibly grateful for our "Life is Why" Supporter, First Community Credit Union, and chair Katie [Rigby], who is stepping up to move the needle when it comes to heart disease and stroke," said Lisa Fenley, Development Director of the American Heart Association, Gulf Coast Division.
Registration for the Heart Walk is now open. To sign up, visit www.LoneStar.edu/UP-HeartWalk.
To learn more about Lone Star College-University Park or register for classes, visit www.LoneStar.edu/StartUP, call 281-290-2600 or email UPAdvising@LoneStar.edu.
Established in 2012, Lone Star College-University Park has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing and most innovative higher education institutions in the country. The college is devoted to impacting the community's prosperity and upward mobility through student success. LSC-University Park’s expert and compassionate faculty and staff provide students with holistic and immersive education and training in disciplines and industries that meet current and future workforce needs.
Located on the grounds of the former Compaq Computer Corporation and Hewlett Packard's world headquarters, LSC-University Park's facilities include the Center for Science & Innovation, the Energy & Manufacturing Institute, Learning Innovation Labs, and the Geology Rock Wall. It is also home to the University of Houston-NW Downtown, Lone Star Corporate College, iSchool, and YMCA Children's Academy.
Lone Star College enrolls over 80,000 students each semester providing high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Mario K. Castillo, J.D., serves as Chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of higher education in the Houston area. LSC has been named a 2022 Great Colleges to Work For® institution by the Chronicle of Higher Education and recognized by Fortune Magazine and Great Place To Work® as one of this year’s Best Workplaces in Texas™. LSC consists of eight colleges, seven centers, eight Workforce Centers of Excellence and Lone Star Corporate College. To learn more, visit LoneStar.edu.