IUDM 20th anniversary to commemorate Ryan White, feature speech by founder

This weekend’s IU Dance Marathon will commemorate the 20th anniversary of students moving and grooving for 36 hours straight, all to benefit the Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.

From 8 p.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Sunday, dancers, children, and volunteers will fill the School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation. The event will take place in the Ora L. Wildermuth Intramural Center gym, upper gymnasium and eight racquetball courts, the rest of the HPER building will be open to the public.

IUDM President Eric Davis said through the years, the event has followed many of the same traditions.

“The event has always been 36 hours and has featured various bands throughout the night. The only change has been that the event has grown in size,” Davis said.

In honor of the anniversary, Davis said the marathon will center around Ryan White, a Riley patient who died of complications of AIDS in 1990. IUDM was created in his memory.

“Ryan’s mom, Jeanne White, will be speaking at IUDM this year for the first time in five years,” Davis said. Davis also said IUDM’s founder Jill Stewart-Waibel, who was friends with Ryan, will also be speaking.

Representatives from Riley Hospital, as well as the Dean of Students Pete Goldsmith will be in attendance.

In addition to guest speakers, Davis said there will be a new game during the marathon titled IUDM Idol, similar to American Idol.

In line with past marathons, there will also be various performances, said Kate Duffy, vice president of events.

“We have some bands that are performing this year that have never preformed in the past,” Duffy said. “Some bands are also returning from past years.”

The rest of the entertainment is being kept secret to surprise guests.

On the financial side, Vice President of Finance Gwen Fenzel said the fundraising goal is to beat last year’s total of $1.52 million.

“People are more hesitant to donate this year than in the past,” Fenzel said. “The need for charitable donations hasn’t changed, so there is more competition. We have to be more persistent in asking for money.”