Dean to take 'Polar Plunge'

Dean of Students Richard McKaig is preparing to take the plunge. \nMcKaig has agreed to jump into a pool of near-freezing water if the Student Alumni Association raises $500 for Special Olympics Indiana.\nThe Polar Bear Plunge, which debuted last year, will once again highlight the Spirit of Sport fundraising event, Feb. 6. Last year, 35 participants took the icy plunge.\nThe festivities will start with a parade of participants dressed in costume before they come outside and jump into a 14-foot pool, said Rachael Mayer, vice president of business affairs and fundraising for Spirit of Sport, Joanne Orrange, advisor of Spirit of Sport, said she doesn't think the icy water will hold back volunteers. She has high expectations for this year's plunge. \n"Last year, we didn't know what to expect," Orrange said. "Thirty-five people participated and we raised $3,500. This year, we set our sights pretty high. We want to have 100 jumpers and raise $7,000 -- to double our money and triple our participation."\nIn hopes of surpassing last year's turnout, Mayer has worked hard to get word out about volunteers to leap into the frigid pool.\n"There have been flyers all over campus," she said. "We've talked to student organizations, but it's been mostly word-of-mouth."\nMayer's main goal is to increase the number of volunteers who take the plunge.\n"I expect this year there will be much more involvement -- we want more people to get involved and see what it's all about," she said. "We want to have more people plunge … we had a lot of community members last year, but this year, we want more campus involvement with Greek system and student organizations."\nBesides Greeks and student organizations, McKaig said he will jump in on one condition. The Student Alumni Association has to raise $500 alone. \nSandra Inman, director of student programs, is optimistic on reaching their goal.\n"I think it's realistic, it's definitely attainable," she said. "Dean (McKaig) is well-liked -- students and administration will come on board to help."\nSpecial Olympics Indiana is the main reason for her confidence in the fundraiser.\n"It's a very worthy cause, so (Special Olympics Indiana is) something people will want to support too," Inman said.\n"They might be halfway out of their minds," she said.\nThe benefits going to Special Olympics Indiana was part of the reason McKaig decided to participate.\n"I have participated in Spirit of Sport for years and have always enjoyed it, especially since it's for a good cause," McKaig said. "They thought I would be a good prospect -- I don't know if that's a compliment or not."\nRegardless of why he has agreed to be a part of the Polar Bear Plunge, McKaig said he may be a little nervous after seeing it all happen last year.\n"I hope that it may be an unusually warm night -- like 48 degrees," he said. "To date, I'm trying to pretend it's not going to happen. Ask me on the day after if it was a good idea or not"