Held in the front parking lot of the North Haven Campus, the spirited fundraiser brought together students, faculty, staff and community supporters in a shared commitment to inclusive athletics and community engagement. The event was hosted in partnership with Quinnipiac University’s Rural Family Medicine Residency Program and Special Olympics Connecticut.

Participants took turns plunging into frigid 49-degree water as attendees cheered them on and contributed donations of more than $3,000.

The donations are especially timely as athletes prepare for the 2026 Special Olympics Connecticut Winter Games, scheduled to begin on Saturday and continue through Sunday, March 1.

The initiative was supported by DREAM (Disability Rights, Education, Advocacy & Medicine), a medical student special interest group at the Netter School of Medicine dedicated to advancing healthcare equity and advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Ian McLellan, a second-year medical student and DREAM’s vice president, helped coordinate the event alongside representatives from Special Olympics Connecticut.

"It is an honor to work with Special Olympics to support athletes across Connecticut,” McLellan said. “As future medical providers, we are committed to providing high-quality, compassionate care to individuals of all abilities, and events like this strengthen our connection to the community we serve."

Dr. Traci Marquis-Eydman, associate professor of family medicine and faculty advisor for DREAM, was among the faculty members who took the plunge.

“This event supports the mission of Netter and the mission of our residency program for equitable and compassionate care for all,” Marquis-Eydman said. I plunged today in honor of my uncle who was born with Down Syndrome and who was also a very passionate athlete in his day. He was one of my greatest inspirations. This one was for you, Uncle Pat.”

In Focus