Greek life members, supporters and even the victim's family walked together to remember a Ball State student who died more than 10 years ago.
A 5K walk and run was held by Delta Zeta on Ball State's campus in honor of Melissa Steckler, a Ball State student who died in 2001 from a burn accident. It was the 11th walk held to remember her.
Steckler, a Delta Zeta member and sophomore elementary education major, spent the last few months of her life in a burn unit before passing away.
Eleven members of Steckler's family showed up and participated in the event. It was the first time in three years that they have been able to attend. The family is from Dale, Ind., which is about 200 miles south of Muncie.
Delta Zeta paid for the family's expenses and hotel fees during their stay at Ball State.
Steckler's father, Jerry Steckler, said his daughter would be honored to know the event was held in her name.
"It is touching that the girls keep this thing going," he said. "This morning I woke up and thought when I'm an old gray haired man, will they keep it going?"
The event was held in order to raise funds for the burn unit of Riley Children's Hospital's in Steckler's memory.
Participants had the choice to walk or run through the course which started outside of the David Owsley Museum of Art and stretched all the way down McKinley Avenue, looping around and ending where it began.
Senior public relations major and philanthropy chair for Delta Zeta, Kassi Bradley said the walk had a turnout of 171 participants and 80 sorority sisters.
Bradley said the event raised around $4,000. Before the event, Bradley said she hoped the walk would raise between $3,000 and $5,000.
She also said the event had a better turnout compared to previous years.
"It was definitely a success," Bradley said. "This year, there were more participants outside of our sister's families. It was nice to see the support from other organizations in greek life."
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