Williams, Canes to Honor Edna Shalala at 5K
CORAL GABLES, Fla. – The University of Miami Athletics Department will host a 5-kilometer run/walk in celebration of the life of Edna C. Shalala, a longtime supporter of Hurricanes Athletics and the mother of president Donna E. Shalala.
Edna, who passed away Dec. 2 at the age of 103, was honored on her 100th birthday with the creation of the Edna C. Shalala Fund for Women’s Athletics, created to help support the continued success of Miami’s women’s athletics teams.
“Edna Shalala was a proud Miami Hurricane who was an inspiration to so many of us,” UM Senior VP for University Advancement and External Affairs Sergio Gonzalez said. “She loved the University and was a great supporter of female student-athletes. Please join me and the University community in honoring her by participating in the Edna C. Shalala 5K Run/Walk to support the continued excellence of UM women’s athletics. We look forward to celebrating her amazing life and her legacy through this meaningful event.”
The 5K Walk/Run, set for Dec. 13 at 10 a.m. will benefit the fund. The starting line for the race is located in front of the BankUnited Center, 1245 Dauer Drive, on UM’s Coral Gables Campus.
Edna made history when she became the first female attorney of Syrian-Lebanese descent to practice law in Cleveland, Ohio. Shalala was a nationally ranked tennis player in the 1930s and ’40s, winning women’s state tennis titles in Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin. She remained active in the sport even well into her 80s, playing three or four days a week and competing in several tournaments. In 1980, Shalala was inducted into the Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame.
When Donna Shalala became president of the University of Miami, Mother Shalala, as she was affectionately known by the UM community, spent much of her time in Coral Gables, living with her daughter at the presidential residence, attending UM functions, playing golf, and taking part in many of the institution’s activities, including those at the Herbert Wellness Center and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.
Former University of Miami track star and nine-time All-American Lauryn Williams will be the honorary starter for the 5K. The Olympic gold medalist offered her thoughts on Edna C. Shalala, a woman who positively affected so many people across the UM community.
“I am sad to hear about the death of Momma Shalala, but continue to be inspired by the times I was in her presence,” Williams said. “My last memory is of her and my grandmother at a table looking graceful as only two who have lived such a full life could, chatting as if they had known each other for years. As the pain in my heart settles, I find comfort in the love and admiration I feel for her while reflecting on the incredible mother President Shalala had and am grateful for her impact on my life in addition to many others.”
Participants in the run/walk will have the opportunity to complete the course alongside members from Miami’s women’s sport teams, coaches, spirit squads, athletic administrators, and marching band.
All race participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt, medal, entry into a post-race tailgate, and one complimentary season ticket to all remaining 2014-15 women’s basketball home games.
In addition, those who register for the event will receive a complimentary admission (with race bib) into the Hurricanes women’s basketball game against Coppin State at the BankUnited Center at 1 p.m.
For more information, visit Miami5K.com.
