IN THIS ISSUE

- Letter from the Director - Post-Election Event in DC - 'Possum Bowl - Hawktober Festival Recap - The Hawk Radio Dedication - Emergency Assistance Fund

GIVE ONLINE NOW

UPCOMING EVENTS

November 20, 2008 (Thurs)      Post Election Recap Event in DC January 24, 2009 (Saturday) Baltimore Aquarium Alumni/Family Event January 29, 2009 (Thursday) Legislative Reception in Annapolis June 12-14, 2009             Reunion Weekend at St. Mary's College

If not receiving this e-newsletter automatically, subscribe now.

NEWSLETTER ARCHIVES

ST. MARY'S ALUMNI ON FACEBOOK

UPDATE CONTACT INFORMATION

Dave Sushinsky '02 Director of Alumni Relations & Planned Giving 800-458-8341

November 3, 2008

Letter from the Director Despite months of preparation, I was anxious on the morning of Hawktober Festival. Members of the planning committee were hustling around to make sure the hospitality tent was in place, the stage was set, and the vendors were on time. I felt a little comforted as I saw things finally shaping up, but was wary about our attendance numbers since we were competing with Oyster Festival and very cold weather. I hoped that live music, great food, free beer and wine, athletic events and the celebration of our new Hall of Fame awardees would be enough to bring alumni back to campus. The Hall of Fame Award Ceremony, the evening before, was spectacular as we honored Dave Burdette ’76, Jody Costa ’02, Brandon Jones ’02, Ryan Olsen ’02 and Kathy (Holmes) Sulkowski ’02 for their athletic achievements. This event was particularly exciting for me because I was a classmate of four of them; I played soccer with Ryan during my first year at St. Mary’s ( I kept the bench warm for Ryan when he needed a break from scoring goals). On the morning of the Hawktober Festival, as I witnessed the moon bounce and inflatable slide go up, I hoped that all of our work would carry the success from the Hall of Fame Award Ceremony through the rest of the weekend. In the end, any alum that attended would agree that Hawktober Festival was an overwhelming success. Over 200 alumni checked in at our hospitality tent, both varsity teams won, the band was great, and no one left thirsty. The inflatable slide and moon bounce were enjoyed not only by the young children of alumni, but by the alumni too. If you weren’t able to make it this year, mark your calendar for October 3, 2009, when we combine this event with Family Weekend. This event is quickly developing into another great St. Mary’s tradition. Our next alumni event will be at Regional Food & Drink (RFD) Washington on Thursday, November 20, 2008. There won't be a moon bounce at RFD, but this is sure to be another enjoyable event and I hope I see you there. Cheers, Dave Sushinsky ‘02 Director of Alumni Relations and Planned Giving Post-Election Event in D.C. It has been an exciting election season, and in a few days, Americans will be heading to the polls to vote for the next president of the United States. The Washington, D.C. Chapter and the Center for the Study of Democracy invite you to Regional Food & Drink (RFD) at 810 7th St. NW on Thursday, November 20, 2008 from 6-8 p.m.  Professor Michael Cain, political science professor and director of the Center for the Study of Democracy, and fellow professors Sahar Shafqat and Todd Eberly will provide an analysis of the 2008 elections, including their historical content. This will be a very relaxed and fun event. The speakers will address the crowd for about 30 minutes and follow with discussion. There will be a cash bar, but the hors d'oeuvres are on us! Although there is no cost to attend, you must contact the Office of Alumni Relations so we know how many guests to expect. To RSVP, e-mail alumnioffice@smcm.edu or call 800 458-8341. For directions to RFD, visit lovethebeer.com.   'Possum Bowl Hoist the sails, mates. This year’s 'possum bowl will be held on Saturday, December 6, 2008 and is open to all former varsity sailing team members. A competitors’ meeting will begin at 10 a.m. Festivities will follow the race at the new River Center. Please e-mail all RSVPs to Adam Werblow. Hawktober Festival Recap Solomon the Seahawk greeted alums, parents, children, faculty (shown here with Professor Don Stabile) and staff at Hawktober Festival on Saturday, October 18, 2008. If you are a member of Facebook and would like to see more pictures click here!  If you are not a member, but wish to join, this link will take you to a registration page.  Registering for Facebook is easy and once you are a member, I invite you to “Become a Fan” of our Alumni Page. Becoming a Fan of the alumni page will allow you access to alumni discussion boards, event information, and photos from past events. The Hawk Radio Dedication Brooks A. Whiteford ’08 was honored on October 20, 2008 with the naming of the new SMCM radio station. Brooks and his team of volunteers had been instrumental in the rebuilding of the station over the past few years. “The Hawk Radio” has 46 live shows per week and continuous feed 24/7/365. It is an impressive set-up with a small studio for recording announcements and live performances, two D.J. stations, and a cataloged selection of CDs, LPs and even 8-tracks. Brooks is pictured here with Associate Alumni Director, Beth Byrd. The new plaque outside the DJ window says it all: The Brooks A. Whiteford ’08   Radio Station   Home of the Hawk Radio   Named in recognition for the dedication, effort, and financial support that brought the radio station back to life.   We would have been lost without your guidance, your patience, and your friendship.   Given by The Hawk Radio Staff and the 2007-2008 SGA   The Emergency Assistance Fund Many students have cobbled together a package of scholarships, grants, loans, and jobs in order to attend St. Mary’s. However, this year, given the strains on the U.S. economy, we are seeing an increase in the number of families who are seeking aid for the first time because of lost jobs, medical emergencies, home foreclosures, and the cumulative cost of education. The College’s Foundation and the Office of Financial Aid have joined forces in the creation of the Emergency Assistance Fund. This new fund will provide emergency assistance to students who have a sudden, drastic change in their financial situation. Your gift to this fund goes directly to students struggling to complete their St. Mary’s education. Each year, through the generosity of over 1200 donors, the SMCM Foundation is able to award nearly $1 million in scholarships to St. Mary’s students. Please help us continue this tradition. Click the secure online giving form and “Make a Gift”. Thank you for your investment in our students.