Collegiate Times

Virginia Tech student and Blacksburg native Michael Perry was killed in a drunk driving accident 12 years ago. Perry is being honored at the 12th annual Michael B. Perry 5K Saturday, Oct. 3.

Perry graduated from Blacksburg High School in 1995 and came to Tech that fall.

By his sophomore year, he told friends that he needed a change. He considered going to the University of North Carolina for a cooperative exchange program. One of his friends suggested that he instead rush for the national honors fraternity, Phi Sigma Pi.  

Perry became a brother of Phi Sigma Pi and proceeded to make close ties with the other members. He realized the fraternity was the change he needed.

Perry was leadership chair in the fraternity and was accredited with organizing the first 5K and 10K events.

The following summer, Perry was killed in an alcohol-related car accident.

"He was full of energy," said Hilda Roberts, his mother. "He loved biking, running, and the whole aspect of being in the fraternity."

From that point on, the fraternity decided to name the 5K in his honor.

"From my point of view and the family's view," Roberts said, "we always felt it was a wonderful thing and an appropriate way to remember him. We feel humbled in a way that he's continued in the race."

His brother, Dave Perry, said he appreciated that students in the fraternity have continued the tradition. He said when tragedies like this happen, people usually forget about them and move on.

"The continuity is great there," Dave Perry said. "It shows how much they care about the Virginia Tech community. The fraternity has always included the family. They call and let us know the dates, make sure our mom knows what's happening ... They've shown a lot of class and dedication."

Summer Mullis, a senior biology major and the public relations chair for Phi Sigma Pi was responsible for spreading the word about the event.  

"I love this event because I think it is such a relevant problem within college environments and just our age group in general," Mullis said. "The mindset of a lot of college kids is that a few drinks won't hurt, but in reality, that could be all it takes."

Mullis emphasized the importance of educating people on drunk driving awareness.

"I think it's great that the proceeds from this race are going to educate young kids about alcohol and the consequences of drunk driving,'' Mullis said. ''I think if we can teach these children, starting when they are young, we can prevent even more lives from being lost due to alcohol-related accidents."

Ashley Gold, a senior hospitality and tourism management major, is currently Phi Sigma Pi's Michael B. Perry chair.

"We know the money is going to such a good cause," Gold said. "Everyone benefits from that. It's one more life saved and one more person to not drive drunk."

Over the past two years, there have been almost 200 runners and walkers who have participated in the 5K. 

"I think that we will at least meet last year's turnout," Mullis said. "And I certainly hope to exceed it."In 2007, the amount raised for drunk driving awareness was $1,055.99. The amount raised in 2008 was $463.88.  

In previous years, the proceeds were donated to Hurricane Katrina relief groups. Most years, like this one, the fraternity has donated all the proceeds to a local Blacksburg charity. This year's proceeds will be donated to the Montgomery County Educational Foundation for the Drug Abuse Resistance Education program and drunk driving awareness programs. 

"From the stories I have heard about Michael," Mullis said, "he was an inspiring individual who made a lasting impact on many people's lives. I think it's great that we are able to pay respect to his memory by educating others about the consequences of driving under the influence."