Thursday, May 17, 2007  

Mercy College Student Athlete Advisory Committee Raises Money for
the Make-A-Wish Foundation at Nickname/Mascot Unveiling

          DOBBS FERRY, NY - The Mercy College Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) raised $505 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation on Tuesday, May 15, at the annual Graduate Salute and unveiling of Mercy's new nickname/mascot - the Mavericks.  During the event, held in the Hudson Valley Café, faculty, staff, alumni, and students could purchase any remaining "Flyers Gear" with all proceeds going to the foundation.  Some items that were sold at the event included t-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, varsity jackets, and basketballs. 

          "On the day that we changed team mascots and logos the response for memorabilia and retro gear was rewarding, both fiscally and emotionally. Our name has changed but our commitment to service remains and leads the movement forward," said Dr. Darryl Bullock, co-advisor of Mercy's SAAC.  "The Make-A-Wish Foundation does such good work, we are happy to contribute to the NCAA Division II Community Service Initiative and raise awareness."

            At the salute, graduating students received door prizes, picked up their caps and gowns, and purchased class rings, while the athletics department honored its senior student-athletes and made several special presentations, followed by a campus barbeque. One of the main events of the afternoon was the announcement of Mavericks as the College's new nickname/mascot by Dr. Kevin T. McGinniss, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation. 

            As a NCAA Division II institution, Mercy College, along with all Division II programs, is a part of the campaign to raise $100,000 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  The Division II SAAC programs, as of now, are the only division that sponsors a community service campaign.

About Mercy College Athletics

        Mercy College is a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II institution and a member of the East Coast Conference (ECC). The College sponsors 15 men's and women's sports. To learn more about Mercy's Department of Athletics and Recreation, call (914) 674-7220 or visit http://www.mercyathletics.com/.