On Friday, September 24, forty die hard players hit the links at Fallen Timbers Fairways for the 3rd annual Scramble for Scholarships.  In what turned into a beautiful day, the players made it through what seemed like gale force winds as they competed for $1040 in cash prizes.  Paul Yarab commented he felt like he had been out in a speed boat on Lake Erie all day when he came in from the course.  The big winners were:

1st Place: Steve Durham, Bob Gospodarek, Gary George, and Mike Fischer
2nd Place: Lori Doll-Speck, Terry Speck, Jeff Simpson, and Jerry Sandwich
3rd Place: Deb Crowl, John Crowl, Andy Williams, and Beth Williams

Longest Drive (Men): Steve Shade
Longest Drive (Women): Marie Maztak
Closest to the Pin: Gary George
Longest Putt: Sister Karen Elliott

Golf Basket 1: Jan Ball
Golf Basket 2: Jamie Harter
Student Basket 1: Sue Eisel
Student Basket 2: Monica Shireman
Relaxation Basket: Connie Durand
Notre Dame Basket: Andy Williams
Gourmet Dinner: Anne Loochtan
Verizon Basket: Angela Ednie

A special thanks goes to the entire committee who helped put the day together.  Members are: Sister Barbara Davis, Lori Doll-Speck, Steve Durham, Sister Karen Elliott, Dan Hoppe, Michelle McMahon, Kevin O’Rourke, Kathryn Roberts-Bubrig, Mike Whalen, and Paul Yarab.  Although the final numbers are not complete, it looks like we will raise in excess of $5,000 again this year in support of Mercy College Scholarships.

On Tuesday, September 21, the Foundation Board of Directors met for their quarterly meeting. A key item on the agenda was election of new officers for a two year term starting September 2010.  Elected were:

Joe Kovaleski, Chair
Amy Butler, Vice-Chair
John Hayward, President
Joan Rutherford, Treasurer
Mike Whalen, Secretary

John Hayward thanked Joe Kovaleski and Amy Butler for accepting their new positions and as well as Pat McGrady for his two years of service as the first Chair of the Board. Mr. McGrady is continuing as a member of the Board. Members also discussed continuing cultivation efforts as well as changes in financial reporting. The calendar of meetings through 2011 was distributed. The next meeting is November 16.

We Missed You! Join Us for Prayer
Students, are you interested in joining with other students to pray and reflect? Come to Room 3406 (Mercy Auxiliary Room) on Tuesday, September 28, 2010, at 12 noon, where we can gather and pray together. The group will be facilitated by Sister Sally. Jesus said “Where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst.” (Mt 18:20)

If you have any questions, see Sr. Sally in Campus Ministry.  All are welcome!

Heritage Day Tea – For Students, Faculty, and Staff
Students, Faculty, Staff, in the spirit of Catherine McAuley, stop in anytime from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. to room 3302 on Monday, September 27, to enjoy a “comfortable cup of tea” (Catherine’s term) and other treats (e.g. small sandwiches, desserts) during our Heritage Day Tea celebration of Mercy Week. There will be a continuous PowerPoint on the legacy of Catherine McAuley and information on her life and the history of tea on the tables.  Students – this is a wonderful addition to your Portfolio! It can easily count for Catholic Identity, Social and Global Consciousness, or Lifelong Learning. Watch the PowerPoint, pick up a handout and have it signed by a member of the Mission Services Committee (we will identify ourselves), and enjoy a light lunch. What a great time!

New Film Offers Real Hope in the Midst of Violence
There is no shortage of opinions, emotions, and actions regarding the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. While some are familiar with the issue, and others are personally impacted by it, many more are unaware, uninformed, or unconcerned about this critical issue. On Tuesday, October 5th, join us in J3109 at 5:15 p.m. for a screening of Little Town of Bethlehem (http://littletownofbethlehem.org ), a groundbreaking new documentary that shares the gripping story of three men—a Palestinian Muslim, a Palestinian Christian, and an Israeli Jew—born into a cycle of hate, and willing to risk everything to bring an end to violence in their lifetime. During their individual interviews, all three men reference both Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, connecting the Israeli/Palestinian struggle with other historical nonviolence movements that have resulted in the expansion of human rights.

This event is sponsored by the Division of Student Formation and SOC 410: Sociological Perspectives of Peace. Please contact Jennifer Pizio, Associate Dean of Students at jennifer.pizio@mercycollege.edu for more information.

Last Call! If you are interested, please contact Mike Whalen at 1-1824 or Sister Barbara t 1-1704. We will tee off at 1:00 p.m. on September 24 at Fallen Timbers. Those who aren’t able to come for the Scramble are invited to join us for the social hour starting at 5:00 p.m., followed by a steak dinner at 6:00 p.m. Cost for this event is $20.00. Please respond by Monday, September 20 by visiting the following website: https://mercycollege.wufoo.com/forms/scramble-for-scholarships/

We will sell tickets for six gift baskets the week of September 20. Baskets will be on display outside the Mercy cafeteria and you can purchase your tickets from 11:00 a.m. through 1:00 p.m. from September 20 – 23. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. All proceeds from this public event are used for student scholarships. Our goal for this year is $6,500. Thank you for helping us!