Children, students and alumni came together at 8 a.m. Saturday Sept. 27 to run in memory of Kelly Roggensack. The children raced first in a 1k, and the adults followed, either running a 5k or walking a 3k. Some signed up for love of running, and others to support the cross-country team, who received the funds acquired from the event.  

Roggensack was a Franciscan University student who passed away in August of 2008. Rev. Gregory Plow, TOR remembered her as “An exuberant and joyful person,” who brought life and fun everywhere she went. 

Plow recalled how, on her very first weekend here at Franciscan, Roggensack brought a Slip N Slide and invited everyone she saw to join in, bringing to life the community that Franciscan tries so hard to create. She also arranged to have “crazy runs,” where everyone on the cross-country team would dress as crazy as they could. This is a tradition continued in past memorial runs, when people dressed in 80s attire as a fun way of commemorating her.  

Roggensack’s mother, Cheryl, described her as a “ray of sunshine.” She recalled how her daughter was a warm and welcoming person who made an effort to include everyone and to make all the people she encountered feel loved. She was also very devoted to her faith. Her ambition was “To change the world for the better in the eyes of God.” Kelly lived her life to the fullest; she dreamed big dreams, she loved deeply and she left a lasting impact.  

She indeed has left a lasting impression. Rev. Plow remembered the memorial Mass he celebrated for her being “So powerful I could feel the grace of God.” This Homecoming run showcased the community that has remained here for so many years, brought together to honor and remember her.  

Coach Dan Kuebler, who knew Roggensack and now keeps in touch with her family, says the race is a “good remembrance of her spirit and her soul, a way of honoring her and keeping her memory alive.” The race is an amazing way to support the current cross-country team while also commemorating the past, helping students to see that they can make the changes Roggensack desired to make. Although she is no longer here on earth, her life and legacy survive, in this race and what it stands for.  

As Kelly wished to change the world for the better, the students at Franciscan University have and will continue to do so, and she surely cheers them on from heaven.