SXU Shannon Center Member Spotlight of the Month -- May 2018
Saint Xavier University's (SXU) Shannon Center has been open to the community for over 17 years! As a way to show appreciation of the community's support, the Shannon Center will highlight one loyal member each month.
The Member Spotlight for the month of May features 3 of the Shannon Center's most dedicated members: Carol O'Connor, her daughter Andrea and son-in-law Andy Ricca. For this family, being at SXU is truly a family tradition.
O'Connor worked at SXU in the Graham School of Management (GSM) for 20 years and has been a member of the Shannon Center since it opened. Both Andrea and Andy Ricca attended SXU, graduating in 2005 and 2006, respectively. While Mrs. Ricca, a former member of the Paw Prints Dance Team, now works as a nurse in the Advocate Medical Group, Mr. Ricca came back to SXU to work as the assistant track and assistant football coach -- the team that he played for while attending SXU. He was even inducted into the SXU Sports Hall of Fame in 2012. The pair now have two daughters, Addison and Aria. The proximity to home and constant access to exercise equipment offered by the Shannon Center make it the perfect place for the entire family to enjoy a workout!
"We were once members to all these mega gyms out there, and it seemed you were always waiting on a machine for an extended period of time before you got to use it," said the Riccas. "And with our busy schedules, we needed a gym where we could get in and do our workout," they added.
A typical workout for the family includes making use of the Shannon Center's free weights, machines and cardio equipment. O'Connor and Mrs. Ricca also enjoy the yoga classes offered.
The family all agrees that going to the gym regularly and keeping in good shape is the key to living a long and happy life. By making going to the gym a family affair, it is easier to stay encouraged while working out."
"Try to workout with a partner or small group," suggests the group. "It motivates you more to go to the gym as well as during your workout."