Dear Friends and Colleagues,

FDU alumnus George Martin has captured the hearts of thousands of people throughout the nation with his “Journey for 9/11.” I’m sure most of you have seen television stories and newspaper articles describing how the former Giants football star is walking across the country, trying to raise money for 9/11 rescue workers who have experienced significant health problems. George left New York in September and he now is in Oklahoma, heading west until he gets to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. His goal is to raise more than $10 million.

It’s a wonderful tribute to the human spirit and a moving tale of one person’s quest to honor the sacrifice and courage of those he rightly calls “true heroes.” At FDU, we have closely followed George’s journey. In fact, we plotted his cross-country route. Petrocelli College Dean Kenneth Vehrkens, George’s good friend and a fellow alumnus, is a member of the Journey for 9/11 Board of Directors. And now he’s ready to go that extra mile, and then some.

On Friday, March 21, Ken will join George somewhere in New Mexico and walk 20 miles alongside him. We will honor this effort by declaring the day as “FDU Day for A Journey for 9/11.” Ken is seeking pledges for George and the walk. Anywhere from $1 to $100 per mile walked by Ken would be greatly appreciated. I am honored to be the first to pledge my personal support.

Checks should be made out to “A Journey for 9/11” and mailed to Denise Wisniewski, H-DH1-02, by Friday, March 14. Please include FDU on the memo portion of the check.

Thank you,
Michael Adams