St. Thomas ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Hundreds are expected to dump freezing water over their heads at the University of St. Thomas Thursday afternoon in a mass ice bucket challenge.

The challenges that are intended to benefit ALS research have been all the rage for the last month, but organizers at St. Thomas say they have a special reason to submit to the trend.

Dr. Bruce Kramer stepped down as dean of St. Thomas' College of Education, Leadership and Counseling two years ago after he was diagnosed with ALS.

"My face hurts from smiling," Kramer said, responding to news that there were plans for students, staff, faculty and neighbors to take the ice bucket challenge.

The event will take place on the lower quadrangle of the university's St. Paul campus at 3:30 p.m. The first person who will get the water -- current president Julie Sullivan.