IU senior runs for charity

Senior Adam Jacobs stands no more than 5 feet 8 inches tall and his sinewy build suggests he weighs little more than 130 pounds.\nDespite a small stature, he may be the epitome of the power of one.\nThis past summer, Jacobs kicked off an individual project he calls "Race to Protect Human Rights." The philanthropic endeavor involves running the Philadelphia Marathon Nov. 20 and, in the mean time, raising money for Human Rights Watch -- the largest non-profit human rights organization in the United States. \nInitially, Jacobs' goal was to raise $5,000 for HRW. But he's already surpassed that amount in three months. \n"My goal is now $10,000, but $15,000 would be fine," he said with a smile.\nThis is no ordinary fund-raiser. So far, Jacobs has received donations from Comedy Central's Dave Attell and "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" band leader Max Weinburg. \nJacobs has gained national publicity for his project by being the subject of news articles in The Indianapolis Star and in his hometown newspaper in Manalapan, N.J. He was also the feature of a National Public Radio weekend news report in late August.\n"It's great there's so much attention being given to something that can help a lot of people," said Jacobs, whose fraternity, Zeta Beta Tau, is sponsoring him in the 26-mile race and is also helping with costs of other necessary equipment.\n"I support Adam in anything he does," said senior Ben Cherry, a member of ZBT. "He's been a leader in his fraternity for both his class and people younger and older."\nAnd Jacobs is dedicated. In addition to tending to a full-time schedule of 15 credit hours and preparing for the LSATs in October, he's compiled quite a list of achievements in regard to running. \nJacobs initiated his running career in 2002 after injuring the rotator cuff in his shoulder while participating on the IU Men's Crew Team as a freshman. No longer able to row, but still charged with physical energy, he ran.\n"I love it," he said.\nHe must. His running résumé boasts two half marathons, several 5k and 10k races as well as two full marathons, including one in Rome.\nHis roommate, senior Bradley Lerner, said he is impressed how Jacobs can run every day in addition to fulfilling his other commitments.\n"He not only balances academics with extracurricular activities, he excels in both," Lerner said.\nJacobs said he'd planned on running the Philadelphia Marathon even before finding a cause. He first learned of HRW while interning at the Natural Resource Defense Council in New York City this summer. He said he was moved by the organization's passion and commitment for global human rights.\n"They really do help everyone," he said.\nAccording to www.hrw.org, the organization "investigates and exposes human rights violations and hold abusers accountable" all over the world, which, to Jacobs, is incredibly important.\n"We can't even perceive some of the hardships people around the world deal with on a daily basis," Jacobs said.\nJacobs said in continuing with his fund-raising efforts he plans to contact IU student groups and greek organizations next. He encourages everyone to get involved and said, if motivated to do so, individuals can donate to his cause. \nDonations are accepted through his Web site, www.active.com/donate/protecthumanrights.