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.

-SXU-

SXU celebrates 2009 Homecoming and Family Week

Includes Saturday Night Lights Homecoming football game, Cougar 5k Run/Walk and 50th Anniversary of Ludden Speech and Language Clinic

Chicago (Sept. 14, 2009) Alumni, students, faculty, staff and friends are invited to Saint Xavier University’s 2009 Homecoming and Family Week celebration beginning Sept. 21 at the Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St. View additional information about Saint Xavier’s 2009 Homecoming Week for ticket prices or to R.S.V.P. for an event.

Monday, Sept. 21

Networking 101: Make the SXU Connection, 6:30 p.m., Butler Reception Room. Counseling and Career Services invites Saint Xavier students and alumni to a special program designed to help participants learn and practice effective networking skills.
Wednesday, Sept. 23

A Celebration of Poetic Expressions, 6:30 p.m., Gilhooley’s Grande Saloon.
An open mic forum/reception with live music and local poetic talent.

Thursday, Sept. 24 – Mercy Day

Liturgy commemorating the traditional Feast of Our Lady of Mercy, noon, McDonough Chapel.

Commissioning of Campus Leaders, 3:30 p.m., Academy Bell.
This annual ceremony celebrates campus leaders who exemplify respect, compassion, integrity and service.

Dedication of the 49th Street Gateway Arch, 3:50 p.m., Smith-Morris Quad.
A ceremony for the new arch at the Chicago campus, which commemorates the alumnae of Saint Xavier’s old campus at 49th Street and Cottage Grove Avenue.

Golden Graduate Society Tea, 4 p.m., Fourth Floor Board Room.
A special afternoon tea for alumnae of Saint Xavier’s 49th Street and Cottage Grove Ave. campus to honor the University’s rich history and exciting future.

Catholic Colloquium Lecture Series: Bishop Robert F. Morneau, 7 p.m., Butler Reception Room.
Auxiliary Bishop of Green Bay Robert F. Morneau will lead a public discourse on the topic “Hungers of the Human Heart: A Catholic Poetic Perspective.” This lecture, which is free and open to the public, reflects on the hunger for meaning, commitment, quality, integration and intimacy.

Friday, Sept. 25

Academic Distinguished Alumni Awards, 6:30 p.m., Butler Reception Room.
A ceremony recognizing the achievements of five Saint Xavier alumni.

Saturday, Sept. 26

Ninth Annual Cougar 5k Run/Walk, 9 a.m., Shannon Center.
Saint Xavier’s annual 5k race begins and ends on campus and travels through Evergreen Park. All participants receive an SXU shirt, refreshments and a ticket to the Homecoming football game upon request.

Cougar Brunch, 10 a.m., Gilhooley’s Grande Saloon.
A post-Cougar 5k brunch.

Ludden Speech and Language Clinic’s 50th Anniversary Luncheon, noon, Butler Reception Room.
A luncheon commemorating the 50th Anniversary of both the Ludden Clinic and the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Guest speaker Catherine Gottfred, Ph.D., CCC/SLP, founder and president of Leap Learning Systems, will discuss the development and direction of the profession.

Pre-game Family Festival, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Smith-Morris Quad.
A tailgate with activities for kids, including inflatables, face painting, games, activities and the Scales & Tales Traveling Zoo. Food and beverage tickets will be available for purchase.

Class of ’69 Chicago Campus Shuttle Bus Tour, 2 p.m., Mercy Ministry Center.
A narrated bus tour of Saint Xavier’s Chicago campus, showcasing its amazing transformations over the years.

Class of ’69 Reunion Reception, 3 p.m., O’Malley Quad.
A 40th reunion celebration for alumni. The reception will include hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine and live entertainment.

Pre-game Tailgate & Reunion Celebration, 3 to 6 p.m., Deaton Field.
All alumni are invited to a celebration with the reunion classes of ’79, ’84, ’89, ’99 and ’04. This year’s celebration includes the Gilhooley’s Alumni Reunion Tent (guests must be 21 and older), bean bag competitions, a caricature artist, live entertainment and food and beverage tickets for purchase.

Saturday Night Lights Homecoming Football Game, 6 p.m., Deaton Field.
Cheer the Cougars to victory over Quincy University. A post-game fireworks display, hosted by the Alumni Association, will follow the game.

Sunday, Sept. 27

Alumni Mass, 10 a.m., McDonough Chapel.

Alumni Association Awards Ceremony and brunch, 11:30 a.m., Butler Reception Room.
A ceremony honoring three remarkable Saint Xavier graduates.

-SXU-

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Jay Foot
Executive Director of Media Relations (773) 298-3937 or foot@sxu.edu

Annual Cougar 5K Run/Walk kicks off Homecoming weekend

Homecoming football game against Quincy University (IL)

Chicago (Aug. 26, 2009) Help kick off Saint Xavier University’s Homecoming weekend with the 9th annual Cougar 5K Run/Walk at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26.

The race begins and ends at Saint Xavier’s Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd St., and travels through the heart of Evergreen Park. All participants receive a long-sleeved T-shirt and a free ticket upon request to the homecoming football game against Quincy University (IL).

Please click here to register online.

Individual registration fees are $20 for runners/walkers and $15 for Saint Xavier students, with a $2.50 discount for all current Chicago Area Runners Association members. Day-of-race registration costs $25 for the general public and $20 for University students, and will be held from 7: 30 a.m. to 8: 30 a.m. at Saint Xavier’s Shannon Center. Purchase a pair of running or walking shoes at Running for Kicks from August 1 to September 23 and receive $10 off the registration fee. For more information, call Running for Kicks at (708) 448-9200.

More than 1,000 participants are expected at this year’s Cougar 5k, said Jennifer Kjos Quinlan, Shannon Center Facility Manager.

“Since the inaugural race in 2001, this event has not only been a part of Saint Xavier’s Homecoming Weekend but also become a community tradition,” Kjos Quinlan said.

Complimentary refreshments, including bagels, muffins, fruit, cookies, coffee and water, and free services such as chair massages, blood pressure checks and stretching will be available for all participants. After the race, participants may show their race bibs to enjoy a discounted brunch from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Gilhooley's Grande Saloon for only $5.95 per person.

Cougar 5k sponsors include Gilhooley's Grande Saloon, Gallagher Investment Services, Jimmy Johns, Core Fitness and Physical Therapy, Go Promotions, Greenwood Chiropractic, OccuSport, Running for Kicks, Chartwells Dining Services, Aquafina, Saint Xavier Alumni and Parent Relations, Village of Evergreen Park, SouthtownStar, Southwest Observer, The Mix 101.9FM, Shannon Center members, Machon and Machon and Pizza Man.

For more information about the Cougar 5k, please visit www.sxu.edu, keyword: athletics or call the race hotline at (773) 298-3592.

-SXU-

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Jay Foot
Executive Director of Media Relations
(773) 298-3937 or foot@sxu.edu