David LaPorte
Indiana University of Pennsylvania’s College of Health Sciences is sponsoring the first “Run for the Health of It” 5K race on April 5.
The event, planned to be held annually, will raise funds to directly support students in the IUP College of Health Sciences programs, with a different fundraising focus each year.
This year’s inaugural event will support IUP’s doctoral program (PsyD) in clinical psychology, with funds directed to the Dave LaPorte Memorial Fund, which supports the professional development of students in the doctoral program.
David LaPorte was a neuropsychologist who taught at IUP from 1995 until his passing in May 2022. He also worked privately as a clinical psychologist. At IUP, in addition to his teaching responsibilities, he was supervisor of the Assessment Clinic in the Center for Applied Psychology, was director of clinical training for the Clinical Psychology doctoral program, and was chair of the IUP University Senate.
“Dave LaPorte, who lived in Indiana for many years and was active in the community, was widely respected for his innovative work bringing mental health resources to rural communities,” Interim Dean of the College of Health Sciences Lisa Newell said. “He was a valued colleague, teacher, and mentor who was instrumental in the careers of hundreds of students who are working in the field of mental health,” she said.
Newell is working with a number of colleagues at IUP and with alumni and friends to organize this fundraising event.
“The students in our PsyD program work in IUP’s Center for Applied Psychology and in mental health facilities throughout Indiana and neighboring counties,” Newell said. “These students provide thousands of hours of mental health services to hundreds of local community members each year, and the David LaPorte Memorial Fund provides support to students in the program, including scholarships and funds for professional activities,” she said.
“Dave was committed to bringing mental health resources to rural communities and was responsible for building connections between IUP and Indiana Regional Medical Center that continue to enhance the training of physicians and psychologists,” she said. “This 5K is designed to be a university-community event, to empower the next generation of healthcare leaders in all fields, including nursing, psychology, and allied and public health careers,” she said.
The event begins at 11:00 a.m. at IUP’s Zink Hall. All ages and fitness levels are welcome. Event T-shirts are guaranteed for all participants registered by March 22. More information, including registration information, is on the Run for the Health of It event Facebook page. Persons can also contact chs-5k@iup.edu for more information.