Feb. 20, 2012
PHILADELPHIA –
Philadelphia Reception Photo Gallery
As part of the Monogram Club’s 2011-12 regional outreach initiative, the organization hosted a pre-game reception for Monogram winners prior to the Notre Dame men’s basketball team’s game at Villanova Saturday in Philadelphia, Pa.
A total of 64 Monogram winners and their families made the trip from their homes in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Maryland to join former teammates and meet some new faces spanning six decades of Notre Dame athletics at Chickie’s and Pete’s in South Philadelphia.
Monogram Club executive director Beth Hunter and first vice president Haley Scott DeMaria (’95, swimming) were among the reception attendees, as well as board member Carolyn Cooper (’06, volleyball) and Region 12 Monogram Club representative Brent Weiss (’05, baseball).
The Monogram Club provided a buffet menu for the guests, highlighted by the restaurant’s wings, pork sandwiches and world famous crab fries. After the reception, many of the attendees made the short trip to the Wells Fargo Center to take in No. 23 Notre Dame’s thrilling 74-70 comeback victory over Villanova in what was one of the most memorable games of the team’s 2011-12 season.
“I was so excited that the Monogram Club was doing this in Philadelphia. It’s only an hour drive and it’s great to get together with fellow Monogram winners,” former student manager Kristin Yudt (’00) said. “This is a wonderful initiative and we’re having a lot of fun.”
The Philadelphia pre-game reception is part of the Monogram Club’s regional outreach program intended to help Monogram winners bridge the gap between legend and legacy outside of the confines of Notre Dame. The initiative began with tailgates in the Baltimore/Washington D.C. area in 2010 for basketball and lacrosse events. Since those pilot events, the Club has hosted football pre-game receptions in New York City (2010) and Washington, D.C. (2011), as well as a men’s basketball pre-game event in Tampa, Fla. (2011).
It should be noted that Notre Dame teams are a perfect 6-0 in games held after a Monogram Club regional reception.
The Monogram Club will continue the successful program throughout 2012 to reach out to its membership in other regions of the country.
— ND —