Shawn M. Nassaney Memorial Race/Walk goes virtual
SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University cross country program is set to hold the 20th Annual Shawn M. Nassaney Memorial Race/Walk virtually this fall. More information is still to come as a registration link will be coming shortly. The annual college cross country invitational is still scheduled for September 12 in Smithfield.
"The Nassaney family and our foundation wish our friends and relatives health and well-being in these unusual times," said Shawn's father, Pat. "For that reason, we will not have our typical 20th race. With the help of our close friends at Bryant University we will conduct a virtual race. Looking forward to seeing everyone again in September 2021."
Shawn M. Nassaney was a loved member of the Bryant community and was a passenger on United Flight 175 during the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The Bulldog community honors him every year with the annual Nassaney Memorial Race/Walk and the Nassaney Invitational.
Nassaney was born on July 7, 1976, in Pawtucket, R.I., where he later attended Saint Raphael Academy. While in school, Nassaney developed a strong interest in running and became a star on the track team. He continued his running career at Bryant College and graduated cum laude in 1998 with a Bachelor's Degree in Marketing.
During his time at Bryant, he starred on the track and field and cross country programs and was a two-time recipient of the coveted "Bulldog Award" for ability and commitment to the athletic program.
Prior to graduation, Nassaney started his professional career in June of 1998 as an Inside Sales Representative with American Power Conversion (APC) in West Kingston, R.I. During his exceptional three-year career, he quickly earned numerous promotions and merited prestigious international assignments that relocated him to Sydney, Australia in December of 1999. He returned a year later to APC's headquarters in Rhode Island to accept the role as a Sales Team Leader for the Company's Enterprise Customer Solutions Team. In May of 2001, he began coursework towards his MBA at Providence College.
On the morning of September 11, 2001, Shawn and his girlfriend, Lynn Goodchild, were headed to Hawaii on United Flight 175.
Shawn's family, close friends, and colleagues founded the Shawn M. Nassaney Memorial Foundation to honor his memory in a way that is consistent with his interests and passion for life. The Foundation established an endowed scholarship at Bryant and contributed a similar fund established at Saint Raphael Academy in Pawtucket, R.I.
To register for the virtual race/walk, click HERE.
Stay up to date on information about the Shawn M. Nassaney Memorial Race/Walk by following the Bryant cross country/track and field program on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.