By Katie Pandolfo '09
The Nott Memorial will be wrapped with a giant pink ribbon next week, thanks to the efforts of a team of students led by Lis Sartori '07 in recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
“Tie the Nott,” a fundraiser that promises to be as moving as it is dramatic, will have its official convocation on Friday, Oct. 13, 4 p.m. (in a Minerva to be announced) during Homecoming & Family Weekend, bringing breast cancer awareness to Union students, their families, faculty, staff and guests.
Sartori, of Northboro, Mass., has had to deal with breast cancer in her own life; she was in third grade when her mother was diagnosed.
“My mother is a breast cancer survivor, and her strength and courage were a great inspiration to me,” Sartori said Wednesday. By placing the pink bow, the universal symbol of breast cancer, on the College's most important building, Sartori hopes to be able to reach as many people as possible.
“I wanted to do something for the campus community centered around women's issues, and what better cause than breast cancer, especially given the personal connection I have?”
Sartori has given much of her time and effort to organize this event. She brainstormed fund-raising ideas with her mother, Susan, when she was home on break last winter.
“My mom suggested putting something on the Nott. The Nott is the unifying structure of our campus that every person sees on a daily basis.
“In the spring, we met with Interim President Underwood and pitched the idea to him. He ran it by President Ainlay and members of the Board of Trustees.”
More than 40,000 American women will die from breast cancer this year. Sartori and her team will raise money for the American Cancer Society by asking donors to buy a section of the pink ribbon.
“I hope to bring awareness about breast cancer and other women's issues to the campus community and the Schenectady community, as well. Hopefully we will reach our goal and be able to send off $30,000 toward breast cancer research,” Sartori said. “We are currently at $7,000.”
The opening convocation ceremony will be “an opportunity to explain the campaign to the campus and to give a better understanding of the project to those who are interested. We are having a breast cancer survivor speak, as well as performances by the Garnet Minstrelles. There will be refreshments and good conversation. We encourage everyone to attend.
“Breast cancer is a disease that touches everyone.”
To contribute, send donations t Tie the Nott, Student Activities, 404 Reamer, Campus Center. Make checks payable t Union College, Tie the Nott.