More than 20 members of the Bastyr University community ushered in winter quarter on Monday, January 3rd with a chilly plunge into Lake Washington.
At noon the students, faculty and staff gathered under the distinctive pillars on the Bastyr campus before walking or jogging down the frost-covered hills of neighboring St. Edward State Park where they took part in the 13th annual "Splash and Dash" into Lake Washington.
The annual event began as a bold dare between three avid Bastyr runners more than 12 years ago and occurs regardless of snow, sleet or ice.
Rebecca Love Steward, DVM, a faculty member in the Department of Basic Sciences, noted the sunny weather and smooth water on Monday. "This is the best weather we’ve had in years," she said. "But it's still worth it every time."
Before dashing into the chilly water, the group tossed rubber duckies into the lake to coax swimmers to venture farther out. Prizes, like wool hats or tea, were awarded to those who retrieved the ducks.
After the dip, the nearly two dozen swimmers hugged, high-fived and dried off before warming up on the hike back up the hills to the Bastyr University campus.
About Bastyr University
Bastyr University, located near Seattle, Washington, is internationally recognized as a pioneer in natural medicine. As the largest accredited university for natural health arts and sciences in the U.S., Bastyr offers more than 17 degree and certificate programs in fields such as naturopathic medicine, acupuncture & Oriental medicine, and whole-food nutrition. Founded in 1978, the University now includes a leading-edge research facility (the Bastyr University Research Institute) and outstanding clinical training at Bastyr Center for Natural Health. The University’s second campus, Bastyr University California, opened in San Diego, California, in fall 2012, becoming the state’s first and only accredited school of naturopathic medicine.