Health Solutions alums connect at 21st annual Pat’s Run
This year, two alums from the College of Health Solutions had the opportunity to connect and run together at Pat’s Run. AJ Zagarella and Tommy Truong didn’t know each other before, but now, the two have found common ground.
“Even though we had never met before, it was easy to start talking and sharing right away,” said Truong.
The 21st annual Pat’s Run took place around Tempe Town Lake, with a virtual option for those unable to attend in-person. Zagarella and Truong were among 12 alums who participated in the second year of the College of Health Solutions’ sponsorship program, which paid for their registration. The College of Health Solutions will continue to expand to include wider participation from across the college.
Applicants were requested to provide insight into what the run meant to them to gain sponsorship. For Zagarella, the impact of Pat Tillman and Pat’s Run extends back to elementary school.
“Pat’s Run means so much to me because when I was in kindergarten, Pat Tillman came into my classroom to read stories to us [in] elementary school. This was over 20 years ago at this point, but I still always think about how brave Mr. Tillman was in his service to this country, especially around the time the Pat’s Run is going on,” said Zagarella.
Truong had participated in other Health Solutions events, but this was his first time taking part in Pat’s Run. Zagarella, however, had never attended any other Health Solutions events, instead opting to take part in Pat’s Runs over the years. They each now hope to participate in more events going forward.
Question: What was your experience like participating in Pat’s Run?
AJ Zagarella: I’ve participated in several Pat’s Runs before but this is my first time in about 10 years. I really enjoyed doing the run. Pat Tillman came into my kindergarten class and read to us years ago, so I’ve always felt a connection to Pat’s Run.
Tommy Truong: This was my first time doing Pat’s Run. It was really cool being out there in the community, which I didn’t realize was so big and passionate until I saw it firsthand. It felt special to be part of a group that came together for a good cause. You could really feel the energy and excitement from everyone there. It was also cool to see all the Sun Devil pride everywhere. Running into the stadium was a great way to finish. And getting a medal at the end is always a nice bonus.
Q: Are you a passionate runner or passionate about being physically healthy?
AZ: I’m not the most passionate runner, but as a personal trainer, I try to take physical fitness very seriously!
TT: I wouldn’t call myself a passionate runner. Although, I do believe physical health is a huge part of overall well-being. Even with my background in nutrition, I recognize that without physical fitness, it’s challenging to make real progress towards health goals. I usually stay active through cycling, but doing Pat’s Run inspired me to start incorporating running into my workouts too. It's been a good challenge.
Q: Why did you choose to participate in Pat’s Run this year?
AZ: I saw that ASU’s College of Health Solutions was sponsoring runners and thought that it would be a great opportunity to participate in the run again!
TT: I hadn’t planned on it initially. When the College of Health Solutions provided the opportunity, I figured why not. I also think exercise is a great way to relieve stress, and the timing was pretty perfect for me. It gave me something positive to focus on.
Q: How did you get in touch with your running partner? What was it like to make that connection?
AZ: I ran with [Tommy], who contacted me after we were both sponsored. I really enjoyed running with him and learning about his life and college experience, as well as sharing my own!
TT: Manuel, the [College of Health Solutions] alumni engagement coordinator, made the introduction over email after learning that a few people were looking for running partners. We met up at the starting line and did the entire run together. Even though we had never met before, it was easy to start talking and sharing right away, probably because of our similar background at [the College of Health Solutions]. I have found that having someone alongside you, working out or otherwise, makes it a lot easier to stay motivated. It was also a great chance to get to know a fellow [Health Solutions] alum and share stories and opportunities.
Q: How did your time with the College of Health Solutions contribute to your success after graduation?
AZ: All the things that I’ve learned at ASU have helped me dramatically in my professional career as a personal trainer and have given me the tools and confidence to succeed in multiple different areas.
TT: It is still contributing! I am right back at [the College of Health Solutions] after graduating. I am currently wrapping up my first semester in the Nutritional Science master’s program.
Q: What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment?
AZ: I feel like graduating from ASU is one of my biggest accomplishments. It took me several years longer than the traditional four-year route that many take, and I definitely had times where I didn’t think I would finish, but through the support of my family and the school I succeeded!
TT: I am proud of a lot of things like serving in the military, changing careers, graduating and starting grad school. But I hope I haven’t reached my greatest accomplishment yet. I want to always be improving and building on what I have done.
Q: What is the best advice, professionally or otherwise, you ever received and continue to carry with you?
AZ: Make attainable goals that you can always keep in your mind and work toward, and keep track of the progress you make toward those goals so you always have a clear vision and are able to see your improvements.
TT: We’re living in a time of real uncertainty and change, and that has affected a lot of people. I lost a job opportunity recently due to anti-DEI initiatives. It can be hard to stay positive when facing setbacks. The best advice I have is to learn from bad experiences and bad leadership. Pay attention to what you do not like, and when you are in a position to lead or make changes, do it better. Turn adversity into a lesson, and use it to shape the kind of impact you want to have.
Q: Have you participated in other College of Health Solutions events? If so, what has been the best part about getting involved with Health Solutions alumni events and opportunities?
AZ: I have not but am interested in participating in more! [I enjoy] meeting amazing people and participating in events I wouldn’t have gotten to.
TT: I was able to attend a [College of Health Solutions] alumni networking mixer at Arizona Wilderness in Downtown Phoenix. It was a lot of fun. Very casual, low pressure and a great way to meet people, exchange LinkedIn profiles and talk about different opportunities. It was also a great example in my mind of how [the College of Health Solutions] really cares about the success of its grads, even if it’s just a fun mixer.
[The best part is] definitely the connections. Nobody succeeds entirely on their own. It takes a network. While I might not have something to offer everyone right now, at least we are building those relationships that could help us support each other in the future.
Q: What advice would you give to other alumni who want to get involved?
AZ: Step out of your shell and get involved!
TT: Just go. Just show up. You never know what opportunities might come from simply being there.
“ASU events and local events are vital opportunities to stay connected with our alumni community,” said Manuel Rodriguez, alumni engagement coordinator for the College of Health Solutions. “Events like Pat’s Run provide meaningful touchpoints for alumni to reconnect with one another and with the college through shared interests.
For the College of Health Solutions, Pat’s Run holds special significance, as many of our alumni are veterans who have served our country. By participating in this annual tradition, we not only honor their service but also create space to strengthen relationships and foster a deeper sense of belonging within our alumni network.”
Stay tuned for more events coming up throughout the year, including Coffee with the Dean.