January 2004

Recent Grad Leaves AU with Running Legacy, Begins New Journey

You might already know who Nick Banovetz is if you’re one of the people who took part in AU’s new “American Classic 5K” at Homecoming & Reunion weekend, in 2002.

A long-time runner, Nick Banovetz, SPA/BA’03, has always loved American University’s sense of giving back. “That was part of the reason I came to AU — I really liked how strong the service aspect of the school was.”

That’s why the Minnesota native found a creative way to combine his positive feelings for AU with his interests — and give back at the same time. While a student, Banovetz and his long-time running partner, Christy Ramstack, SIS/BA ’03, left their legacy at the university by founding the “American Classic 5K: Race for Humanity,” an annual race during Homecoming & Reunion Weekend to benefit AU’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

“When President Ladner came out with his 15-Point Plan in 2001, his last point was concerned with the physical fitness of the campus,” says Banovetz. “Our idea to start a 5K fit in with his vision and also fulfilled our goal of starting a race.”

Beginning in their sophomore year, Banovetz and Ramstack, who are also founders of AU running club Team Runn’g Heads, met with members of the campus and D.C. community and began to plan the 5K. By the time their senior year came around, the race was a go.

Working with a board of nine other students, they handled everything from logistics to fund-raising and planned a race that had more than 350 participants in 2002. “We raised more than $20,000 — all of us were really proud.”

Despite his recent graduation in 2003, Banovetz hasn’t stopped staying involved with AU. Since October 2003, he has been working as the assistant to University Librarian, Pat Wand. “I liked the idea of working at American University. I’m applying to graduate school here, so I hope to be back on campus for a while.”

Banovetz hopes one day to be a college professor or possibly get his dream job as the director of a marathon. “I’m not sure what I want to do after grad school. I would like to spend a year in the Caribbean, so we’ll see what happens,” he said with a smile.