SXU invites community to celebrate 2012 Homecoming Week

Alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends are invited to Saint Xavier University's 2012 Homecoming Week celebration, "Cougars on Parade," beginning Tues., Sept. 25 at the Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103^rd St. For more information about Homecoming, please contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at (773) 298-3316 or alumni@sxu.edu.

Tues., Sept 25

Cougars on Parade Kick-Off – 4 to 7 p.m., Chicago campus and Gilhooley's Grande Saloon, 3901 W. 103^rd St.

Mirroring Chicago's famous "Cows on Parade," SXU departments and organizations have "adopted" and decorated cougar statues for "Cougars on Parade." The decorated statues will be displayed beginning at noon across the Chicago campus. Walk around campus to preview the finished works of art then join us at Gilhooley's Grande Saloon to kick off Homecoming 2012! This event includes free appetizers with a cash bar. RSVP to alumni@sxu.edu.

Wed., Sept. 26

Spirit of Mercy Liturgy – noon, McDonough Chapel of the Mother of Mercy

This liturgical celebration combines two longstanding traditions: a Mass of the Holy Spirit at the start of the academic year at Catholic universities and the commemoration of Mercy Day at institutions sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy.

Leadership Commissioning – 3:30 p.m., Academy Bell outside the Warde Academic Center

Representatives from all areas of University life will be commissioned – sponsors, Trustees, administrators, faculty, staff, alumni and students. The commissioning will be followed by an opportunity to "Meet the Mercys."

Service Through Action Team (S.T.A.T.) Brown Bag Project – 6 p.m., SXU Diner Atrium, Warde Academic Center

In the spirit of our Mercy heritage, alumni, students, staff and faculty are invited to help SXU's Service Through Action Team prepare lunches for local shelters and organizations serving our neighbors in need. Donations of peanut butter, jelly, snacks, and juice pouches are always appreciated. If you would like to volunteer and/or donate a product or money, please contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at alumni@sxu.edu or (773) 298-3316.

Thurs., Sept. 27

Academic Distinguished Alumni Awards and the O'Brien Student Leadership Awards Ceremony – 6:30 p.m., Butler Reception Room

The 2012 Academic Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are:

· Jennifer Drake '02, '08, of Chicago, George K. McGuire Award, School of Education.

· Betty Kosky '86, '92, of Worth, Distinguished Alumni Award, Graham School of Management.

· Charlene Bermele '05, of Evergreen Park, Distinguished Alumni Award, School of Nursing.

· Daniel Brown '78, of Palos Park, Distinguished Alumni Award, College of Arts and Sciences.

· Brian Radakovitz '08, '11, of Orland Park, Distinguished Alumni Award, School for Continuing and Professional Studies.

Fri., Sept. 28

Alumni Links – 4 p.m., Stony Creek Golf Course, 5850 W. 103rd St., Oak Lawn

Traditional golfers can have some fun with a nine-hole golf scramble. Nontraditional golfers and families can enjoy miniature golf, bean bags, or bocce ball. Participants are invited to wrap up the evening at a reception on the outdoor patio. Traditional golf costs $45 (includes golf with cart, dinner and soft drinks with cash bar), and miniature golf costs $15 for adults and $10 for children (includes miniature golf, dinner and soft drinks).

Sat., Sept. 29

12^th Annual Cougar 5K Run/Walk – 9 a.m., Shannon Center

Join alumni, students, parents and friends of SXU in the 12th Annual Cougar 5K Run/Walk. All participants receive a long sleeve T-shirt, refreshments and a ticket to the football game upon request. The course starts and finishes on the campus and runs through Evergreen Park. Register online at www.sxu.edu, keyword: Cougar 5K.

All-Alumni Reunion Tent – 2:30 p.m., Bruce R. Deaton Memorial Field

In addition to a pre-game reunion celebration for the classes of '07, '02, '92, '87 and '82, the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations welcomes all the reunion groups from the SOE, SON, GSM, CAS and SCPS. The $25 per person admission (21 and over) includes food and beverages. A portion of the proceeds will support the Student Scholarship Fund or the Cougar Club. Parents are welcome!

Homecoming football game vs. University of Saint Francis (Ind.) – 6 p.m., Bruce R. Deaton Memorial Field

The 2011 NAIA champion SXU Cougars face off against University of Saint Francis. All alumni who register at the SXU alumni hospitality tent will be given free admission to the game!

Sun., Sept. 30

Homecoming Liturgy – 11 a.m., Smith-Morris Quad

Homecoming 2012 will culminate with an outdoor celebration of the Liturgy of the Word and will include a blessing for the recipients of the Spirit of Saint Xavier Awards. A reception honoring these exceptional alumni will be held on the patio of the Smith-Morris Quad immediately following the liturgy. The award recipients are:

· Kevin Clark '78, of Oak Forest, Sister Dorothy Marie Peschon '19 Award.

· Bernada Baker '04, of Chicago, Rita A. Ford '98 Faith in the Future Award.

· Patrick "Andy" Devine '75, of Oak Forest, Spirit of Saint Xavier Award.