Students at Manchester University hold dance marathon for Alina BigJohny Memorial Scholarship

NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. (WANE) - Alina BigJohny was remembered Friday as students at Manchester University tried to raise money to start a scholarship in her honor.

Alina BigJohny was a 2011 Manchester University graduate who was tragically killed in the 2011 Indiana State Fair stage collapse. She majored in Education and English and wanted to be a teacher.

Manchester Activities Council (MAC) organized the event. The university has made the Alina BigJohny Memorial Scholarship in her honor. Organizers said it took about three months to plan the "Luau" theme event, a theme that's upbeat like her personality.

"She was always bright and bubbly," said Leslie Bailey, one of the organizers. "When we thought of luau, we just thought it's fun and exciting.

"We decided to turn into a fun atmosphere, dancing and just celebrating the idea of life," Lynette Griffin said, another organzier.

Money raised from this event will go to an education student at Manchester. BigJohny's sister, Christy Collins, was at the event and was thankful for love and support from the university.

"For us to be able to come together, and they put an event together like this, and donate to a college she loved, a university, like I said, it's perfect.

If you would like to donate, you can send a check to the university.

Manchester University

C/O Shanon Fawbush, Student Activities

Alina BigJohny Memorial Scholarship

604 E College Avenue

North Manchester, IN 46962