USD Magazine, Summer 2004

ALMANAC

I. President Mary E. Lyons and Monsignor Daniel Dillabough, vice president of Mission and University Relations, celebrate with the students.

3,000 Celebrate Alumni Center Opening

2. Showing off her winning ticket, junior Meridith Miller was the first of 50 female students to win $1,000.

by Krystn Shrieve S prinkle a brand new building with holy water, throw in live music, free food and a chance co win a piece of $100,000, and it's bound co be the event of the year. More than 3,000 people converged on Marian Way co celebrate the April 30 dedication of the Degheri Alumni Center and the generosity ofBerc Degheri '61, whose donation made rhe building possible. The celebration was che biggest student event in USD hiscory. "Today is the realization of a dream chat Bert Degheri had more chan five years ago," said President Mary E. Lyons at the dedication ceremony in the building's courtyard. "His heroes are Joan Kroc, John Moores and Bill Gates, but, for whatever ic's worth, Bert Degheri, you are my hero." Degheri was the hero of the day for many people, especially students such as sophomore Jill Daugherty, a friend and classmate of Degheri's son, Danny. 'Tm lucky enough co know Bert Degheri," says Daugherty, who majors in business administration. "He is successful, and it's amazing chat he has shared it with our school. He is such a giving person. " Students waited anxiously co see if they were going co be one of che 100 students - 50 men and 50 women - co win $1,000 each at che event, funded by a gift from an anonymous donor. Many already knew how they'd spend the money, saying they'd go on a trip or a shop– ping spree. Others said they'd give ic co family. Only five minutes before his name was called as a winner, senior Scott Humphreys, who initially vowed co split his winnings 50-50 with a friend, made a new deal. "Right before my name was called, I said co my friend, 'Lee's make it 75-25,' " said Humphreys, a political science major, "and I'm so glad I did!"

3. Not bothering to drop his Popsicle, senior Scott Humphreys makes his way to the winner's circle after hearing his named called in the student drawing.

4. Gregg Young and the 2nd Street Band kept the tunes coming during the dedication.

S. Although they won't be alumni for a few years, freshman Rachel Smith (left) and sophomore Laura Stanczak said the center will encourage them to come back to campus after they graduate. 6. Students were drawn by the sweet smells of barbecue and immediately gravitated toward tables laden with hamburgers, sausages, salads, fruit and cookies. 7. Masters of ceremonies Rich Yousko '87,president of the USO Alumni Association, and Jack Kelly '87,senior director of alumni relations, moved the festivities along. 8. The doors to the new building stood open to welcome the hundreds of students, alumni, employees and friends who toured the three-story alumni center. 9. President Mary E. Lyons and The Most Reverend Bishop Robert H. Brom pose with Bert Degheri '61 in the courtyard of the alumni center named in his honor.

I 0. Drawing more than 3,000 people, the dedication ceremony was the largest student event in USD history.

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USO MAGAZINE