PHOTO GALLERY
Feb. 10, 2009
Bronx, N.Y. - Over 240 Fordham University student-athletes were honored for compiling a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher at the Sixth Annual Breakfast for Champions held on February 8th in the McGinley Center Ballroom. The event was sponsored by the Fordham Athletic Department with assistance from the Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) and the Office of Academic Advising.
After opening remarks from Frank McLaughlin, Executive Director of Athletics, Assistant Academic Advisor Bevon Robin recognized the top team performer for each varsity program.
Ryan Campi, FC '09, President of SAAC and a member of the Cross Country/Track and Field programs, spoke to those in attendance about the works of the SAAC program and how the decision was reached to donate $1,500 to Camp Putnam. Camp Putnam is located in rural New Braintree, Massachusetts, and has been serving the children of the Greater Worcester Area for over 50 years. The emphasis at Camp Putnam is upon providing a safe, healthy, residential summer camping experience that is affordable for all families regardless of income.
"When we were looking for a program to help, we wanted one that helps promote a healthy and active lifestyle," said Campi. "That's why we chose Camp Putnam."
SAAC Vice President Sarah Connell, FC '09, a former member of the women's swimming squad who learned how to swim at Camp Putnam and goes back every summer to serve on staff, then introduced Todd Stewart, Director of Camp Putnam. Campi and Connell presented Stewart with a check for $1,500 on behalf of the SAAC.
"Camp Putnam is designed to provide opportunities for children who would otherwise not have the chance or wouldn't be able to afford them," said Stewart. "We are extremely thankful to the SAAC and Fordham University for their generous gift to Camp Putnam."
John Tognino, FCLS '75, Chairman of the Fordham University Board of Trustees and Chairman and CEO of Pepper Financial Group, was the keynote speaker. He congratulated the student-athletes who were being honored and related lessons he learned in the business field to those in attendance. Tognino also emphasized how the Jesuit ideals have guided him throughout his career, the same ideals that are currently being demonstrated by the Fordham student-athletes.
"The Board of Trustees and I rejoice in all your success, both on, and more importantly, off the fields," Tognino said to the student-athletes. "You are the model of the Jesuit motto of service for others."
Tognino stressed that to be successful there are two things that everyone should do. The first is to take charge, to not sit back and wait for something to happen, and the second is to always do the right thing.
Tognino summed up his remarks by stressing what a special place Fordham University is. "Be proud of Fordham and thank it," said Tognino. "I know I speak for Father McShane and every trustee when I say that we have confidence that Fordham is in great hands and will continue to be so thanks to your dedication."
Following Tognino's remarks, he was presented with a bag of Fordham gifts by Campi who then spoke of the importance of service to his fellow student-athletes and highlighted upcoming events such as the St. Jude Carnival Night (see below) and the women's basketball Pink Zone games to benefit cancer research (see below).
Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of Fordham University, wrapped up the brunch thanking Tognino for his contributions to the university as well as praising the student-athletes for their success.
"Today we acknowledge you as men and women of character, of values, of discerning honor and wisdom," said McShane to the student-athletes. "On behalf of the university I want to thank you for being great ambassadors and for making people prouder and prouder of Fordham."
The final tally of 249 student-athletes honored is approximately 45% of the entire student-athlete population at Fordham. Included in the 249 were 24 student-athletes who were recognized as four-year Breakfast attendees.
Sarah Campbell (Softball)
Matt Cardinale (Men's Track & Field)
Kristin Colton (Women's Swimming)
Adam Danko (Football)
Zac Dayton (Football)
Matt Donahue (Football)
Bobby DiNardo (Baseball)
Sarah Fait (Women's Swimming)
Mike Hennessy (Squash)
Brad Heyman (Men's Swimming)
Clifton Hilario (Men's Cross Country/Track)
Catherine Huvane (Women's Soccer)
Maggie McGowan (Women's Track & Field)
Nico Mizono (Golf)
Rebecca Mobley (Women's Swimming)
Brigid Moriarty (Women's Cross Country/Track)
Chris Paolino (Men's Soccer)
Tom Papain (Men's Cross Country/Track)
Jacqueline Prevete (Women's Cross Country/Track)
Mary Beth Puccio (Softball)
Brigid Reidy (Cheerleading)
Vanessa Spoto (Women's Cross Country/Track)
Megan Waldron (Softball)
Timmy Will (Water Polo)
Student-Athlete Fund Raisers
Here is a brief description of two of the fundraising initiatives sponsored by Fordham student-athletes:
St. Jude Carnival
In support of the Fordham student-athletes gift to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the SAAC announced a fundraiser for the February 11th men's basketball game versus Massachusetts. The group will sponsor a special pregame dinner in the McGinley Center where for $5, students receive an all-you-cam eat dinner deal which includes a baked potato and nacho bar, popcorn and hot dogs. There will also be a DJ as well as face painting as the students prepare for the men's Atlantic 10 basketball game against Temple that night.
All proceeds from the night will go to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
Women's Basketball Pink Zone Games
The Fordham University women's basketball team will be joining schools across the nation in support of the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Pink Zone initiative. The team has designated the February 14th match-up against St. Bonaventure and the February 18th game versus Saint Joseph's as their "Pink Zone" games.
A donation of five dollars is suggested with all donations from both games to be given to the Kay Yow/WBCA Cancer Fund. Kay Yow, North Carolina State University head women's basketball coach, is a past president and founding member of the WBCA and was a galvanizing voice for the Association. After battling three different stints with breast cancer, Yow passed away on January 24, 2009.
For more information on the Pink Zone games, click here.
