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Shared purpose filled the streets of Northfield as runners, walkers, and volunteers came together for the second annual Memories Matter 5K, an event benefiting the Vermont Dementia Foundation. Founded and organized by Brianna McLaughlin, �Ļ�Ӱ�� Class of 2025, the race once again drew strong support from the �Ļ�Ӱ�� men’s and women’s ice hockey programs as the student-athletes volunteered their time and energy to a cause close to home.

Dedicated to raising awareness and vital funds for individuals and families affected by dementia, the Memories Matter 5K builds on the success of last year’s inaugural race, which raised more than $8,000 for the foundation. The event embodies compassion, community, and �Ļ�Ӱ��’s Guiding Value of service before self, principles that continue to define the Cadet experience on and off the ice.

Continuing a Tradition of Service

For �Ļ�Ӱ�� student-athletes, giving back to the community is not an extracurricular activity, it’s an ongoing tradition. From youth clinics to local fundraisers, Cadets consistently find ways to serve, reflecting a commitment to leadership and teamwork that extends well beyond competition. Supporting the Memories Matter 5K is one of many examples of that spirit in action.

“It’s a priority for our program to be invested and involved in the Northfield community,” says Justin Simpson, head coach of the �Ļ�Ӱ�� women’s hockey team. “Brianna McLaughlin, the founder of the Memories Matters 5K, is a �Ļ�Ӱ�� alumna, from central Vermont, and a close friend to many student-athletes at �Ļ�Ӱ��. Our team and staff had a great time supporting Brianna and raising awareness about dementia. We look forward to participating again in 2026!”

Coach Simpson’s message echoes a core principle of �Ļ�Ӱ�� athletics, that service is not done for recognition, but out of respect for the community that supports the University and its students.

A �Ļ�Ӱ�� Alumna's Vision

The driving force behind the Memories Matter 5K is Brianna McLaughlin '25, a �Ļ�Ӱ�� graduate from Williamstown who founded the event to honor her father, who lives with dementia. What began as a personal journey has evolved into a powerful movement for awareness, education, and compassion.

McLaughlin’s leadership has built a bridge between her �Ļ�Ӱ�� family, the Northfield and Williamstown communities, and countless Vermonters affected by dementia. Her ability to turn hardship into hope and action reflects the kind of grassroots leadership �Ļ�Ӱ�� has nurtured for more than two centuries.

Leaders On and Off the Ice

Both �Ļ�Ӱ�� hockey programs have long been known for their excellence on the ice and for their commitment to service off it. The men’s team once again joined the effort, volunteering throughout the day and lending their support to McLaughlin’s cause.

“Serving the Central Vermont community is part of the �Ļ�Ӱ�� Hockey tradition,” said Dominick Dawes '04, head coach of the men’s hockey team. “Whether on the ice or in the community, our actions reflect who we are, leaders who put service before self.”

For Coach Dawes and his players, community engagement is an extension of the same teamwork, discipline, and accountability that drive success in athletics. From youth outreach to local service initiatives, the Cadets continue to embody the University’s mission through action.

A Day of Connection and Celebration

The race itself was just one part of a larger day of connection and community spirit. Participants gathered not only to compete but to remember loved ones, share stories, and raise awareness. Beyond the finish line, the event featured live music, food, and family activities, creating an atmosphere of hope and solidarity.

For the Cadets in attendance, it was an opportunity to engage directly with the local community that fills the stands each winter at Kreitzberg Arena. Their presence symbolized the mutual support between �Ļ�Ӱ�� and Central Vermont; a partnership built on shared values and collective purpose.

The �Ļ�Ӱ�� Way: Service Before Self

�Ļ�Ӱ��’s legacy of service is written in moments like these: students volunteering on a Saturday morning, alumni transforming personal challenge into community impact, and coaches modeling leadership by example. Through participation in events like the Memories Matter 5K, �Ļ�Ӱ�� student-athletes carry forward a tradition of quiet service that began more than 200 years ago.

Whether lacing up skates or running shoes, Cadets demonstrate that service and leadership go hand in hand. Their involvement in the Memories Matter 5K stands as a reminder that small acts of compassion, when multiplied by a community, create lasting change.

Carrying the Mission Forward

For Brianna McLaughlin, the Memories Matter 5K represents both a personal mission and a promise, a commitment to turn empathy into action. For �Ļ�Ӱ�� hockey, it is a continuation of a proud legacy of leadership, teamwork, and service.

As runners crossed the finish line and families shared moments of reflection, the impact of the day extended far beyond the course. The Memories Matter 5K continues to inspire, connecting �Ļ�Ӱ��, its student-athletes, and the people of Central Vermont in a shared effort to make a difference. It stands as a reminder that in every act of service, from volunteering to fundraising to simple human kindness, �Ļ�Ӱ��’s values endure through the actions of students and alumni.