During the month of February, the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) has been illuminated with pulsing red lights as part of the American Heart Association’s effort to remind people that heart disease is the number one killer of women in America.
In addition, President Shirley Ann Jackson is serving on the executive leadership team for the association’s annual ball in March. Rensselaer has a longstanding tradition of supporting the association and their annual Heart Walk in the spring.
EMPAC features special illumination during February observance of American Heart Association’s national “Wear Red” event.
According to Paul Martin, assistant vice president for administration, Rensselaer joined with several other regional businesses to light the night red to show their commitment to fighting this killer on National Wear Red Day.
“As part of our long-term commitment to the terrific work done by the American Heart Association, we are delighted to take part in this effort,” Martin said. “We are hopeful that many institutions and individuals throughout the Capital Region will see EMPAC and other buildings lit up at night and take a moment to think about heart disease and how they can support the work of the association.”
“The Go Red movement is about educating women about their risk factors for heart disease,” said Maria Decker, member of the Capital Region Advisory Board of the American Heart Association and chair of the 2013 Capital Region Go Red for Women Luncheon. “Women put off everything to take care of everyone else, but all these buildings that are red are a good reminder to put their heart health first. We are grateful to have so much support for our mission here in the Capital Region.”