Dance Marathon officially began 22 years ago to honor Ryan White, who passed away from HIV/AIDS and was a national figure that brought much education and awareness to  the HIV/AIDS pandemic. He was scheduled to attend Indiana University, but passed away in the spring before he graduated high school. IU started what is now known as  Dance Marathon to honor Ryan White. Indiana was also the first state to introduce high schools to the Dance Marathon program and the story of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Valparaiso University hosted its first Dance Marathon on November 11, 2012 in support of Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, IN. The event took place in the Harre Union and all students, faculty and staff were welcome to participate and attend!