Presented by Le Moyne’s Board of Regents, Le Moyne College’s Annual Founders’ Day Gala: “Another Le Moyne First” will be held on Friday, Nov. 21st, 2014 in the Thomas J. Niland Jr. Athletic Complex.
The culmination of benefactors, alumni, staff and faulty celebrating and commemorating the establishment of Le Moyne College in 1946 makes it the most notable event on campus. Yet, the much-anticipated presentation of the Simon Le Moyne Medal is certainly a topic of conversation around the college.
The medal reflects the ideology and educational standards of the French Jesuit, Rev. Simon Le Moyne. Rev. Simon Le Moyne was the first European man to visit the Syracuse area. His role as an ambassador of peace and a leader of courage, vision, and faith is memorialized, in the award. Since 1966, exceptional, local and national figures have been awarded the medal, such as U.S. Under Secretary of State for Security Assistance/ Science and Technology, James L. Buckley (1981), and Community Volunteer and Journalist, Mario Rossi [1992], for their outstanding leadership of the larger community.
This year, the 450 individuals of Le Moyne College’s Class of 1951 will be honored, joining this exceptional group of individuals, as they first established the traditions and standards of excellence that have be upheld for nearly 70 years. According to Dr. Dennis DePerro, Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies, “This year we honor those who first experienced the richness of a Jesuit education in this region of New York State.”
Preparation for the event or “Load-In” begins Nov 18. During this time lights, audio, and video equipment is set up, as well as masking the walls with fabric to completely change the layout and interior of the room, all within several hours. Then, following the event, “Load-Out” begins, which is a process that takes place from 11pm to about 3am. It is said to be one of the most exhilarating portion of the process, as the entire room must be rest, within this time slot.
Jessica Bush, a student at Le Moyne and the Executive Director of Boot and Buskin commented on her experience, “I am working with professionals. It’s a great opportunity to get some real hands on experience from people who aren’t our professors. It validates that everything that we are learning in our classes is accurate and that we are ready for the professional world. This is how a professional load in and load out work. I’ve been able to take the lessons I learned at Founder’s Day and apply it to jobs I’ve had working concerts at the NYS Fair. Plus, we get to meet some really funny guys who love what they do.”
