Comic Headlines Saint Xavier's Homecoming Celebration

Caption: Chicago stand-up comic Pat McGann will headline “Comics for Cougars.”

Saint Xavier University will host “Comics for Cougars,” a comedy show with local comedian Pat McGann and WGN-TV personalities Ana Belaval and Mike Toomeyas part of the University’s 2014 Homecoming Celebration, on Thurs., Sept. 25 in the Shannon Center at SXU’s Chicago campus, 3700 W. 103rd Street.

Doors open at 6:45 p.m. Guests will enjoy a reception from 7 to 8 p.m. leading to the performance from 8 to 10 p.m. in The Shannon Center Gymnasium. Admission is $35 per person and includes appetizers, refreshments and a cash bar. Guests will also enjoy a sample of our “1846 Red,” a smooth, red lager brewed exclusively for Saint Xavier University by local brewery, Horse Thief Hollow. A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to support Saint Xavier University student scholarships.

This event is open to the entire SXU community as well as the general public. Guests must be 21 years old to attend. Purchase a table of 10 and get preferred seating in the VIP Scarlet Zone. Seating is limited, so RSVP today!

Pat McGann transitioned from packaging salesmen to stand-up comedian in 2007. Soon after taking the stage, he was booked as house emcee at the historic Zanies Comedy Club. He created and hosted the Emmy-nominated television show “The Chicago Stand Up Project” in 2010.

McGann has been invited to the Great American Comedy Festival and Laugh Fest. He performed and presented at the Chicago/Midwest Emmy Awards in 2013, and was asked by the Chicago White Sox to write and direct a comedy show with their players. He was also asked to help Giordano’s Pizza respond to Jon Stewart and The Daily Show’s assault on Chicago pizza, resulting in a quick appearance on The Daily Show. Pat McGann also gained national exposure when he recently appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman.

When not traveling the country working comedy clubs or corporate gigs, McGann appears regularly on Sports Talk Live (Comcast), Windy City Live (ABC), Mancow & Good Day Chicago (Fox), WGN Morning News, WGN-Radio and ESPN Radio.

Ana Belaval is currently a feature reporter on the WGN Morning News, covering the “Around Town” segment, which focuses on various people, places and things of interest in and around the Chicago area. Belaval also contributes to the public service show for Chicago’s Latino community, “Adelante, Chicago!”

As an integral part of the WGN Morning News, Mike Toomey serves as the “Announcer” for the show. A regular performer on WGN Morning News, Toomey has appeared in concert with such names as George Carlin, Wayne Newton, Crosby, Stills & Nash, and Reba McIntyre. He has performed on numerous television programs including: HBO’s U.S. Comedy Arts Festival in Aspen, Colorado; MTV’s Half Hour Comedy Hour; and A&E’s Comedy on the Road. With his sharp delivery, quick wit, and unique style, Toomey has been a favorite at comedy clubs and special events since 1982.

Visit SXU’s 2014 Homecoming events for the lineup of homecoming events or to purchase admission for “Comics for Cougars,” or contact the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at (773) 298-3316 or alumni@sxu.edu.