On a brisk fall morning, hundreds of runners and walkers lace up their shoes—not just for a race, but for a day of remembrance. Each year, the Dickinson community gathers for the Run for Steph, a Homecoming & Family Weekend tradition now in its 21st year, honoring the life and legacy of Stephanie “Steph” Kreiner ’03, a beloved student-athlete whose impact still resonates more than two decades after her death.

        Steph, 22, was the embodiment of a dedicated Dickinsonian. A lacrosse player, field hockey manager, biology major, and member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, she formed deep and lasting connections across campus. 

“She made everyone feel that they were her best friend,” said Steph’s mother, Jane Kreiner. “She acknowledged the best in everyone, made them feel important, and never judged. Steph didn’t like being the center of attention but rather enjoyed seeing the people she may have helped get the recognition through their hard work.” 

        After graduating in 2003, Steph pursued a degree in nursing and remained closely tied to Dickinson. But in October 2004, just before completing her program, her life was tragically cut short when she was struck by a drunk driver in the mall parking lot in White Marsh, MD.

        Her best friend, Amy Rankin ’03, was also struck by the vehicle but survived despite sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Rankin spent six months in the hospital—an abnormally quick turnaround, considering doctors told her she would never walk or talk again. She went on to complete three years of physical therapy and five years of speech therapy. 

“I think my TBI will be in a forever recovery stage,” Rankin said. “My memory and visual recognition skills are beyond any current medical hopes, but I can function ‘normally,’ go to the gym three days a week, dance and sing constantly, and try to live happily.” 

        Rankin, who has remained deeply grateful for the support she has received, has published a book, “Nobody Thought I Could Do It, But I Did It and So Can You,” and has served as a motivational speaker and advocate for those living with TBI.

        The first annual Run for Steph took place in 2005. Karen Faryniak ’86 who serves as Dickinson’s Chief of Staff and Secretary of the College, was central in coordinating the first run and has remained on the committee ever since. Given her role in alumni relations at the time, Faryniak worked tirelessly with coaches, faculty, and students in the planning stages. Through this process, she also acted as  a liaison for the Kreiner family. 

“While we initially became acquainted through their family’s grief, it has been very meaningful to me to get to know her parents (dad—John), stepdad (John), her mother Jane, who has become a dear friend, and her sister, Laura, who has two children who were born after Steph died, but who know the legacy of their Aunt Steph,” said Faryniak.

         Since the event began, every field hockey and lacrosse coach employed at Dickinson has joined the planning committee and ensured their teams are actively involved. Kim Masimore, Head Coach of women’s lacrosse, alluded to the central role the lacrosse team takes each year to plan and prepare for the event. 

“This event is a special part of the Dickinson experience, and we feel honored to play a big role in its execution,” she said. 

“We spend time each fall learning about Steph and the privilege our team has to keep her memory alive,” Masimore said. Masimore also believes the event captures something essential about Dickinson, explaining that “this event epitomizes what it means to be a Dickinsonian—turning tragedy into opportunity.” 

        The Run for Steph campaign has always been about more than athletics. Its mission centers on education: promoting awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence, encouraging responsible decision-making, and inviting participants to pledge never to drink and drive. The event promotes the message that responsible drinking includes planning a safe ride home. 

“Steph and Amy Rankin had a plan and were in the process of walking home when they were hit by a drunk driver. If only the driver had made a plan too,” Kreiner said.

        Although Steph made the right decision, not all people do. 

“Taking the pledge in my opinion is being held accountable to not only yourself but to do no harm to others which may result from drinking and driving. This run focuses on my daughter and family, but it could be anybody’s. Those left behind have to live with an unnecessary loss. Trust me – it’s not easy,” said Kreiner.

        Two years ago, Dickinson installed a permanent Run for Steph display in the Kline Center, featuring photos, educational materials, a pledge box, and, at its center, Steph’s framed no. 17 jersey—the same symbol that hangs in the team’s locker room. 

“Steph’s #17 is officially retired,” Masimore said. “We have a framed jersey like the one in the Kline Center in our locker room as a constant reminder of Steph’s legacy.” 

Kreiner was emotional when reflecting on the display: “It took my breath away – of course tears were involved,” Kreiner explained that she never could have imagined the impact Steph’s story would have at Dickinson; even over  twenty years after her death, she feels honored when students and faculty share her daughter’s story. 

“I try to see the event through the eyes of my grandkids and what they think of their aunt and mother’s sister and of course my daughter being acknowledged as a teaching tool.”

       In addition to continuing Steph’s legacy and raising awareness for an important cause, Run for Steph gives back to the Dickinson community in another remarkable way. Per Steph’s family’s wishes, all proceeds from the event benefit the McAndrews Fund for Athletics—a gracious donation that provides Dickinson athletes with essential resources that extend beyond the operating budget. What began with 93 participants has grown into a campus cornerstone over the years, drawing 400 to 500 participants annually and contributing more than $115,000. This year was no different, with over 400 registrations demonstrating the community’s continued support. 

        Over the years, Run for Steph has delivered record fundraising milestones and unforgettable moments. In 2014, after several years of recovery, Rankin participated for the first time with Steph’s family there to cheer her on. 

“I teared up listening to other people talk about what a wonderful person Steph was,” Rankin said. “I believe that she’s been my angel nurse since that day.” 

      “Our entire community comes together to honor the life of one of us, pledge not to drink and drive, and Run for Steph.”