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In
the spring of 1996, a select group of students, post-doctoral
fellows, research assistants, department administrators and
Dean's office representatives teamed up with Professor Ira
M. Herman, Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Physiology,
to create the Sackler Relays. In its original conception,
the Sackler Relays were launched as a mechanism to advocate
the outstanding students enrolled at the Sackler School of
Graduate Biomedical Sciences. Held on the Tufts University
Medford Campus each summer, the day-long athletic event and
fund-raiser was designed to bring the entire Sackler School
and Tufts University communities together for a fun-filled
day.
Each Sackler School Graduate Program assembles a 12-member
team comprised of students, faculty, fellows and other interested
program members to compete in an athletic competition that
begins with a 4 x 1.25 mile bicycle event. In unison, the
group convenes on the Ellis Oval Running Track for the 4 x
1 mile relay race. Finally, the athletic competition culminates
in a volleyball playoff series. Since its inception, the first
and last place finishing teams have been separated only by
a few minutes indicating how close and exciting the competition
actually is, with the lead changing hands several times during
the three events.
Immediately following the athletics, competitors, colleagues,
friends and family members settle into an afternoon of festivities.
Post-athletic events include a Texas-style barbecue, dancing
to the rhythms of a live band, and a raffle with outstanding
prizes. Presentation of the Sackler Cup is made to the winning
team, together with the announcement of the current year's
winners of the Sackler Travel Award Program.
The Sackler Relay profits go toward the Travel Award Fund,
which is used to support selected students to present their
doctoral research findings at major international and national
scientific meetings. |
