UPDATES
     Nov. 3: Autism Run is halfway – fundraising drive drawing good support

 

Fresno State alumnus Ryan Stiner of Fresno will run from San Francisco to Fresno to raise awareness and support for the Autism Center at Fresno State. He will start his 10-day trek on Thursday, Oct. 30.

Stiner — who has completed multiple marathons, half-marathons and other distance runs — will face 190 miles between his starting point and ending destination at Fresno State.

A 2011 graduate from the Craig School of Business, Stiner will begin a new career as a wealth advisor associate shortly after concluding his run.

“I take pride in the fact that I earned a degree from Fresno State, especially from the Craig School of Business,” Stiner said. “From the professors to the students, Fresno State offered me a place to not only find my passion, but do so in an environment that cultivated itself through hard work and perseverance.”

Stiner said upon searching for a cause to benefit from his run, he was captivated by the work done at the Autism Center to spread awareness and understanding of the disorder. “I knew this was the right cause to run for, and I wanted to support my alma mater in any way that I could. I am honored to have this opportunity.”

Since its opening in November 2007, the Autism Center, part of the Behavioral Sciences Institute at Fresno State, has provided services for individuals with autism or similar disabilities from as young as 18 months of age.

“With partners like Ryan, we are afforded the opportunity to donate the equivalent of 1,500 hours of early intervention services a year to families in need, while providing over 40,000 hours of direct service to the community,” said Timothy Yeager, director of the Behavioral Sciences Institute.

Donations to sponsor Stiner’s run can be made on his the Go Fund Me page: “The Ryan Stiner’s Run for a Cause Project.” All proceeds will directly benefit the Autism Center.

“Ryan has truly embraced President Joseph I. Castro’s call to be bold, and for that the Autism Center is grateful,” Yeager said.

Stiner is expected to conclude his run on Saturday, Nov. 8.

The Ryan Stiner Run-For-A-Cause to support the Autism Center at Fresno State is co-sponsored by Fresno State’s KFSR Radio, the Collegian student newspaper, and iScreen Custom Screenprinting.

He was also featured on KFSR’s “First Lady’s Focus” program with Mary Castro,  wife of  President Castro.

(Copy by Jodi Raley, University Communications news assistant.)

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