SXU’s 2009 Homecoming a “smashing” success

Cougars beat Quincy 51-0, more than 1,000 attend Cougar 5k

(Left) Saint Xavier's 9th Annual Cougar 5k Run/Walk.

Chicago (Sept. 28, 2009) Alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends celebrated Saint Xavier University’s 2009 Homecoming with a variety of events from Sept. 21 to Sept. 27 at its Chicago campus.

More than 4,000 people watched the Cougars smash Quincy University (Ill.) 51-0 during the Saturday Night Lights Homecoming football game. A pre-game tailgate and reunion celebrating the classes of ’79, ’84, ’89, ’99 and ‘04 preceded the game and included a Saint Xavier Alumni Reunion Tent, bean bag competitions, caricature artist, live entertainment and more. A fireworks displayed hosted by the Alumni Association followed the game.

More than 1,000 people, including Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-3rd), participated in the 9th Annual Cougar 5K Run/Walk at the Shannon Center. Ryan Hopper of Chicago clocked in at 15:56 with the best men’s time and Cara O’Shea of Chicago had the best women’s time of 21:11. A Cougar Brunch followed the event at Gilhooley’s Grande Saloon. Afterwards, the Alumni Association hosted a pre-game family festival with activities for children, including face painting, games, activities, Scales & Tales Traveling Zoo and more.

The Academic Distinguished Alumni Awards Ceremony took place Friday, Sept. 25 and recognized the achievements of its 2009 recipients: Brian P. Gilmartin, CPA, ’93, Graham School of Management Distinguished Alumnus; Theris Touhy, DNP, APRN, BC, ’67, School of Nursing Distinguished Alumna; Charles Floramo, ’80, College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Alumnus and Marianges Menden, ’86, ’03, Carolyn Majorowski, ’03, and Stephanie Strubin, ’10 School of Education George K. McGuire Awards.

During the afternoon, class of ’69 alumni experienced a narrated bus tour showcasing the transformation and expansion of the Chicago campus and afterwards celebrated their 40th reunion at a reception in the Bishop Quarter Room.

Ludden Speech and Language Clinic celebrated its 50th anniversary with Graduates of the Department of Communication Sciences on Sept. 26. Guest speaker Catherine Gottfred Ph.D., CCC/SLP, founder and president of Leap Learning Systems discussed the development and direction of the profession.

The week concluded on Sunday, Sept. 27 with an Alumni Mass in McDonough Chapel followed by the 2009 Alumni Awards Ceremony and Brunch in the Butler Reception Room. The Alumni Association honored the following: Daniel Rowan D.O., ’81, Distinguished Alumni Award; Richard Guerin ’79, Sister Dorothy Marie Peschon Award; and Ronza Othman ’03, Rita A. Ford, Faith in the Future Award.

For more information about SXU’s 2009 Homecoming, please contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations, at (733) 298-3316 or alumni@sxu.edu. You may also find more information on the alumni website.

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