Saint Xavier Homecoming Features Football, 5K, Special Brew, Comedy

It’s homecoming week at Saint Xavier University, and alumni, faculty, staff and friends are welcome to attend a number of events from Sunday, Sept. 20 to Saturday, Sept. 26. All homecoming festivities will be celebrated on SXU’s Chicago campus, located at 3700 West 103rd Street.

Back by popular demand, SXU will host its 2nd Annual “Comics for Cougars” event on Thursday, Sept. 24, which will feature the comedic talents of local artists Pat McGann, WGN-TV personality Pat Tomasulo and Comedy Central comedian Dwayne Kennedy. Returning again to this year’s event will be Horse Thief Hollow Restaurant and Brewery accompanied by newcomer Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant in Oak Lawn. Both will be on hand to offer samples of their products.

The 2015 SXU Homecoming celebration will feature the introduction to SXBrew, a handcrafted beer created specifically for SXU by Horse Thief Hollow Restaurant and Brewery in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood.

The week is filled with many exciting events, which embody SXU’s spirit including:

Homecoming Liturgy and Spirit of Saint Xavier Awards, which will be held on Sunday, Sept. 20 in SXU’s McDonough Chapel of the Mother of Mercy where the following alumnae will be honored: Candace Ramirez, ’02, ’04, ’05 (Spirit of Saint Xavier Award); Very Reverend Bernard Scianna, O.S.A., Ph.D. ’93 (Sister Dorothy Marie Peschon ’19 Award); and Kelly Mihalik ‘13 (Rita A. Ford ’98, Faith in the Future Award).

Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) Brown Bag Project will feature more than 60 alumni and students coming together on Monday, Sept. 21 to make over 500 lunches for the South Side’s Port Ministries and local PADS shelters.

The Academic Distinguished Alumni and The O’Brien Student Leadership Awards will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 22. Nearly 100 guests are expected to be in attendance to honor the following alumni and students whose words and actions emulate the operating ethos of Saint Xavier University.

The 2015 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients are: Laura Shallow ’78, ’86, ’03 (Graham School of Management); Sister Marion Johnson, R.S.M. ‘60 (College of Arts and Sciences); Danielle Latrice Green ’08 (School of Education); and Nancy V. Antonini ’84 (School of Nursing).

O’Brien Student Leadership Award recipients: Kathy Rodriguez, ’15 (College of Arts and Sciences); Ben Tracy, ’15 (College of Arts and Sciences); Chance’s Walker, ’15 (School of Education); Ronald Luce, ’15 (Graham School of Management); Lauren Murrary, ’15 (College of Arts and Sciences); and Lauren Knepper, ’15 (School of Nursing).

The week will end with a bang on Saturday, Sept. 26 as over 800 expected students, alumni, faculty and friends of SXU will participate in the 15th Annual Cougar 5K Run/Walk, which is presented by Meijer.

Afterward, hundreds of guests are invited to join President Christine Wiseman in the Homecoming Tailgate/VIP Tent to cheer on the Saint Xavier Cougars as they take on Michigan’s Siena Heights University Huskies.

Admissionis $25 (must be at least 21-years old) and includes tent ticket, food, beverages – water, soda, wine and beer (SXBrew). Children 12 and under who are accompanied by a paid adult are free. Back by popular demand, Cougar Cubs – an entertainment area for kids which will include a jumping jack, craft projects, and more – will be present.

For more information about upcoming alumni events, please contact SXU’s Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at 773-298-3316 or email at alumni@sxu.edu.