SXU raises more than $360,000 for students at 31st Annual President’s Scholarship Ball
Saint Xavier University (SXU) recently raised a grand total of $363,810 for student scholarships at its 31st Annual President's Scholarship Ball. More than 300 guests attended the delightful evening of dinner and dancing at the Hilton Chicago.
The Ball celebrated the recipients of the 2016 Shield of Saint Xavier award, John C. and Jane McCarthy. Shield of Saint Xavier recipients are nominated by the University community and are chosen by its board of trustees.
John is the nephew of the late Sister Mary Huberta McCarthy, R.S.M., who was the president of SXU during its move to 103rd Street in the 1950's. Her efforts to secure the support of religious, business and civic leaders were qualities that served SXU well. John dutifully served on SXU's board of trustees from 1991 to 2007 and was chairman of the board from 1997 to 2003. Currently, he serves as the president and part owner of Continental Air Transport, Inc., which operates airport shuttle service to O'Hare and Midway under the name GO Airport Express. The shuttle service sponsors a program entitled, "Heroes in the Hood," an award for youth and adult community volunteers. He also plays an active role in many civic and professional groups by serving as vice chair of the financial committee for Catholic Charities, chairman of the finance committee for St. Thomas of Canterbury Parish and is a member of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce.
Jane's association the Sisters of Mercy, and subsequently SXU, began 39 years ago when she and John attended the Annual Mercy Hospital Dinner Dance. She later joined Mercy Hospital's Women's board in 1984, where she helped establish the "Sister Huberta McCarthy, R.S.M., Women of Mercy Award" in 2000. Currently, she is the editor for the Mercy Women's board newsletter. Jane is a council member at St. Thomas of Canterbury Parish and assists in their food pantry. Since 2001, she has volunteered at the Chicago History Museum and is treasurer of Castlewood Terrace Homeowners' Association.
"We extend our sincere gratitude to the Ball's co-chairs, the Sisters of Mercy serving on SXU's board of trustees: Sister Mary Ann Bergfeld, R.S.M.; Sister Margaret Mary Knittel, R.S.M.; Sister Sheila E. Megley, R.S.M.; and Sister Maureen A. Scott, R.S.M. for their tireless efforts in making this evening such a success," said President Christine M. Wiseman. "We also wish to thank the members of the Saint Xavier community, including trustees, faculty, staff, alumni, benefactors and friends, who generously chose to support our students' academic careers."
All proceeds from the Ball go to the Presidential Scholarship Program, which provides financial support to SXU's most deserving students.