(Photo provided Ivy Tech Community College)
An Ivy Tech Community College alumnus recently celebrated the completion of his 150th marathon race at the Chicago Marathon earlier this month. Michael Eriks began his post-secondary education career at Ivy Tech Community College and subsequently went on to transfer and graduate from Purdue University. Eriks credits his early university days with shift in focus towards improving his overall health.
As a freshman newly enrolled in classes, Eriks was determined to get into better shape and prevent the so-called dreaded ‘freshman 15’. “I took it as a challenge. Growing up I wasn’t a runner and didn’t have huge interest in sports. I had a goal in mind to get healthier, and I started running. Little by little my stamina increased, and I just kept at it. Soon I grew to love not so much the running but the community of runners surrounding me. The people keep bringing me back,” said Eriks.
Ivy Tech Community College Surgical Technology Program Chair Marsha Eriks is proud of her son and credits his hard work in helping him cross the finish line every time. “Michael is strong and humble. He’s donated many awards from races to special needs students. He began his college career at Ivy Tech and went on to graduate with an engineering degree from Purdue. He’s now in his Master’s work, I’m proud of our son,” said Marsha Eriks.
Those interested in registering for classes or learning more about current program and course offerings at Ivy Tech Community College are asked to contact Jessica Underwood, Director of Admissions for more information.
You can hear more from Michael Eriks on running marathons in a Region Newsmakers interview with Mike Bonaventura at News Audio on Demand under the News dropdown menu here at our station’s website.
