Since 2001, members of the Southwestern University community participate in an annual Homecoming & Reunion Weekend tradition – the Jameson 5K at Southwestern.

The Jameson 5K began in memory of the late Jaysn Jameson, an alumnus of Southwestern University. Jaysn, a 1990 chemistry graduate, tragically died while scuba diving off the coast of Freeport, Texas. His sister, Kenda Jameson Evans ’92 shared, “Everyone that knew Jaysn loved him. He had the type of personality that made people gravitate towards him. He was a loving, caring person and always making people laugh. Jaysn was very active while attending Southwestern University. He was a member of Student Foundation, Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, and several other organizations.”

In 1997, Kenda and Mike Frontz ’91, a fraternity brother to Jaysn, were running along a track in San Antonio, sharing memories of running with Jaysn. It was then that the two, along with the help of Amy Tankersley ’90 and a few others, decided to create the Jameson 5K at Southwestern with the first official even taking place in 2001. Now, in its 5th year, this Homecoming & Reunion Weekend event has gained a great amount of support from Southwestern as well as the local running community. In 2004, over 300 people registered for the 5K.

The Jameson 5K at Southwestern helps to support the Jaysn Jameson Memorial Scholarship Fund. Both monetary and in-kind donations are greatly appreciated. All production costs of the Jameson5K at Southwestern are paid solely through sponsorships, while all race registrations and donations directly support the scholarship fund. In 2004, over $5800 was donated, and in its initial four years, the Jameson 5K at Southwestern contributed over $13,000 total to the memorial scholarship. This need-based scholarship holds two criteria for recipients; students much study the natural sciences and maintain good standing with the University.

Each year, Kenda, Mike, and Kenda’s husband, Mark Evans, coordinate the Jameson 5K at Southwestern. Each year they try to improve the race by adding a new feature. In 2005, both an announcer and music will be added to the schedule of activities. Kenda added, "We haven’t really thought about this being the 5th annual event, and haven’t made any special plans to celebrate that accomplishment. We are just trying to improve the race each year so that it will continue to grow and continue to bring runners back year after year. The larger the race gets, the more money that we will be able to contribute to the Jaysn Jameson Memorial Scholarship Fund. This in turn will benefit more students at Southwestern, which is the sole purpose of this event, other than honoring the memory of Jaysn and his passion for Southwestern and running."

The 5K race starts and finishes at the corner of the Robertson Center on the campus of Southwestern University. Runners may visit the map of the course at www.Jameson5K.org. Those interested in participating, but not drawn to running, may take part in either the 5K Walk or the 1-mile Mosey. The chip timed 5K race is meant to be competitive but fun. Trophies and door prizes will be presented in several participant groups, including the top three runners in each age category. In addition, supports may partake in a silent auction during the 5K race. All proceeds from the silent auction are donated to the Scholarship Fund. Following the race, there will be food, fun, music, and almost $2000 in random door prize give-aways.

The 5th Annual Jameson 5K at Southwestern is scheduled for Saturday, October 22, 2005 beginning at 8 a.m. on the campus of Southwestern University. Online registration is now open and printable entry forms are available for mailing at www.Jameson5K.org. The entry fee until October 14 is $15 for adults and $10 for Seniors (55+) and Southwestern University students. After October 14, the entry fee will increase by $5 for everyone.

To view additional details on the Jameson 5K at Southwestern, including a list of all current sponsors, please visit www.Jameson5K.org. If you have any questions, please contact Kenda Evans at 713-578-6679 or kenda@alumni.southwestern.edu. If you would like to make a donation to the Jaysn Jameson Memorial Scholarship Fund, please mail your check to Kenda Evans (4301 Stillbrooke Drive; Houston, TX 77035) or Annual Giving (Southwestern University; 1001 E. University; Georgetown, TX 78626).