Republican gubernatorial candidate Matt Salmon voiced his support for the state universities' "Changing Directions" plan and made proposals to reduce the state budget shortfall while increasing funding to UA Friday.

Salmon said he would like to see the UA focus on its "niche," position in biotechnology, cancer research, health care and optics.

In 10 years, Arizona could be one of the top four institutions in the nation where research of this type is discussed, Salmon said.

"I'd like the UA hailed as one of the finest (institutions) in the nation," said Salmon, speaking at UA's Science and Technology Park on South Rita Road, near Interstate 10.

The Changing Directions proposal up for discussion by the Arizona Board of for the Interfraternity Council.

"What a great turnout," Olson told the crowd. "It's really special to see the community coming out like this to support a great cause."

Olson, who was accompanied by several members of his family, said that one of the goals of the Bobbi Olson Memorial Foundation is to help the Arizona Cancer Center become the nation's premier ovarian cancer research institution.

He said that the money from the walk will help fund technology to diagnose ovarian cancer in its early stages, where it is most treatable.

Bobbi Olson, who died of ovarian cancer in February 2001, was diagnosed late, stacking the odds of recovery against her, Olson said.

"From my family, myself and from the Arizona Cancer Center, I give everyone a big thank you," Olson told the crowd.

Julie Brase, Olson's granddaughter and a UA basketball player, said she thought the show of support for the foundation was great and that Olson was very appreciative.

"It's just a great thing they put together," said Brase, a communications and economics senior.

The walk, which took participants in laps around greek row, was organized by the Panhellenic Association, the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the Interfraternity council.

Jennifer Barth, a communications senior and member of Delta Delta Delta, said that participating in the walk was important to her because cancer is something that affects everyone.

Barth also said that charity is very important to her sorority and that events such as the walk promote solidarity within the greek community.

Surridge said the participation in the event far exceeded the 15 percent membership each house initially pledged.

The event was limited to members of the greek system in order to promote cohesion within the system, Surridge said.

Money raised for the event came from an entrance fee of $15, which was charged to all participants, said Surridge, an economics and Spanish language sophomore.

The cost of T-shirts given to participants was covered by the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council in order to allow all of the money raised to go directly to the foundation, Surridge said.

The Associated Students of the University of Arizona also made a donation of $1,000, Surridge added.