Indiana University Athletics
Herbert, Cheerleaders Participate in Circle City Classic
10/30/2006 12:00:00 AM | Spirit Squad
Oct. 30, 2006
INDIANAPOLISÂ - Indiana University president Adam W. Herbert and IU's cheerleading squad were among the hundreds of community leaders who participated in the 23rd annual Circle City Classic in Indianapolis on Saturday, Oct. 7. The Classic, founded in 1984, is a weekend event whose proceeds sponsor Indiana youth organizations.
The Classic's organizing partners - Indiana Black Expo, Inc., and the Indiana Sports Corporation - have raised over $1 million for college scholarships since the event's inception. The weekend also features a college fair, sponsored by the Indianapolis Black Alumni Council, which aids thousands of area youth in finding scholarship opportunities that total more than $3 million.
"The Circle City Classic is a unique event that reaches out to thousands of youth in the greater Indianapolis area," Herbert said. "The Educational College Fair, sponsored by the Indianapolis Black Alumni Council, illustrated to more than 2,500 African American young people that higher education is the key to opportunity. It encouraged them to expand their higher education aspirations. We should be very proud of the fact that proceeds of the event have to date provided more than $1 million in scholarships for deserving young people."
The Circle City Classic sees over 150,000 people travel to Indianapolis annually, with the centerpiece being a college football game between two historically black colleges.
"The Indiana Department of Athletics is proud to participate in the festivities surrounding the Circle City Classic," Director of Athletics Rick Greenspan said. "This is a signature event in Indianapolis, an area that has always been and will always be very important to IU. We are honored to have been approached by the President's Office and the Classic organizers to be a part of this special celebration."
The Classic was founded in 1984 in the vision of Rev. Charles Williams, who wished not only to promote education in the community, but also to create a festival showcasing African American culture. The Classic's mission is to honor the legacy of Rev. Charles Williams by continuing to provide opportunities for youth as well as supporting educational achievement and promoting cultural excellence in the community.Â
