History professor Jeremiah Cataldo started running three years ago as a hobby before entering the Turkey Swamp 50K as his first race only three months later. In late July, Cataldo took on the Burning River 100 race, where he ran 100 miles to raise money for the Grand Valley State University’s Children’s Enrichment Center.

“The race went well,” he said. “In fact, I felt strong enough that I think running it an hour or two faster next time is very possible.”

Standing at the starting line, Cataldo began his race with nothing. Twenty-two hours later, he finished with enough money to categorize the charity drive as “a quantifiable success,” although he does not know the exact dollar amount at this time.

After the birth of his son last February, Cataldo said he could not find quality childcare for an affordable price. When he noticed the CEC’s mission, its accessibility to the GVSU community struck a chord with him.

“The center meets an important need in today’s society,” Cataldo said.

Gretchen Galbraith, a chairman in the history department, helped foster the idea of the charity run with Cataldo and Sharelle Arnold, the head of the CEC. Together they decided a fundraiser for a student scholarship fund would be a good fit.

Galbraith noted both she and Cataldo value high-quality, affordable childcare as a crucial element for young families. According to Arnold, a recent on-campus study revealed 81 percent of GVSU’s non-traditional students said parent-focused scholarships are essential.

“In these hard economic times, it’s especially important that students with young children be able to bring them to a place that is a safe, enriching environment,” Galbraith said. “With access to CEC, our students can focus on their own studies knowing that their children are in an excellent environment.”

Cataldo emphasized that he believes taking care of one’s family in the short term should not prohibit one from caring for and supporting them in the long term – something he believes the Student/Parent scholarship fund would help to prevent.

Although nothing is currently set in stone, Cataldo said they are looking at other opportunities to highlight CEC and its mission.

Arnold said that as the head of CEC, she appreciates individuals such as Cataldo who are moved to advocate for small, yet vulnerable populations.

“Professor Cataldo lives in action,” she said. “I proudly tip my hat to the man that has never been in our center (nor does he have children old enough for our program) or whom I have never met, but he willingly put aside his own needs in an effort to raise money and awareness.”

Those who are interested in donating to the CEC Student Parent Scholarship fund should contact the University Development Office of the Children’s Enrichment center at 616-331-5437. [email protected]