NEWS RELEASE
Media Contact: Richelle Nielsen
(425) 602-3107

BASTYR UNIVERSITY HOSTS 12TH ANNUAL SPLASH AND DASH
Students, faculty and staff plunge into new year with icy swimming tradition

Jan. 5, 2010 (Kenmore, Wash.) — In a quirky tradition that dates back more than a decade, Bastyr University will mark the start of winter quarter with its annual " Splash and Dash ", a frigid tradition in the spirit of polar bear swims. At noon on Tuesday, Jan. 5, adventurous students, staff and faculty will gather at the entrance to campus for a run down the hills of Saint Edward State Park and a plunge into the ice-cold waters of Lake Washington.

This annual event began as a bold dare between three avid Bastyr runners more than 12 years ago. Growing every year, it now draws students, faculty, staff and cheering onlookers. The stunt occurs regardless of snow, sleet or ice. One year, participants survived a near miss with the major snowstorm that hit the next day, closing campus along with schools and businesses in the region. As an incentive to participate in the chilling experience, rubber ducks are tossed into the water for retrieval and prizes. This year promises another fun event.

The adventuresome and their cheerleaders in will meet at 12p.m. at the pillars in front of campus for this chilly start to the new academic term.

Note to photographers: Please plan to arrive at Bastyr by 11:30 a.m. You will need to be in place and ready to shoot at the lakefront when the event starts at noon. The walk to the lake takes about 20 minutes down a fairly steep trail. Please contact Richelle Nielsen at 425.602.3107 or rnielsen@bastyr.edu; or Jordan Lindstrom at 425.602.3370 or jlindstrom@bastyr.edu if you plan to attend.

ABOUT BASTYR UNIVERSITY
Bastyr University, located north of Seattle, Washington, is an accredited institution, internationally recognized as a pioneer in natural medicine. Bastyr is the largest university for natural health arts and sciences in the U.S., combining a multidisciplinary curriculum with leading-edge research and clinical training to educate future leaders in fields such as naturopathic medicine, acupuncture and Oriental medicine, and whole food nutrition. Founded in 1978 as the John Bastyr College of Naturopathic Medicine, Bastyr University now offers more than 15 accredited degree and certificate programs. Bastyr was the nation's first natural health arts and sciences university to receive funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and the Bastyr University Research Institute plays a key role in the growth of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) research. The University's teaching clinic, Bastyr Center for Natural Health, offers quality natural health care to the greater Seattle community while providing essential clinical training for students. For additional information about Bastyr University and its teaching clinic, Bastyr Center for Natural Health, visit www.bastyr.edu or www.bastyrcenter.org.

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