The University of Houston made great strides in this year’s March of Dimes WalkAmerica, jumping from 34th to 20th among the city’s top 100 WalkAmerica teams. UH also captured another honor. The campus drew the largest number of walkers in the nation for the walkathon.

During the on-campus event on April 29, UH raised $31,768, surpassing the former record of $18,000 set in 2006. About 40,000 people participated, including many faculty, staff and students, said Juanita Jackson, campus WalkAmerica logistics coordinator. Next year’s walkathon is scheduled for April 27.

The March of Dimes, whose mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality, held its first walk in 1970.

John Michael Haines
Editorial assistant