Students Naomi Fisher and Rachel Vaughn each took a half-court shot at a $1,000 scholarship during the men’s basketball game against St. Ambrose on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2014.
During the fall 2013 semester, Mount Mercy’s student alumni group Students Today, Alumni Tomorrow (S.T.A.T.) offered students a chance at winning one of two scholarships if they participated in an athletic attendance punch card initiative, and could sink a shot from Hennessey’s half-court. Fisher and Vaughn, both nursing students, were randomly drawn as the finalists.
Thanks to the sponsorships of ImOn Communications and Kirk Sadilek with Principal Financial Group, both ladies walked off the court with $1,000 gifts toward their education –even though both shots missed the hoop.
“It meant a lot to know that a university cared about its students so much that they would give the money to them even though the rules were explicit on making the shot in order to get the scholarship. I have nothing but pride for Mount Mercy and being a Mustang,” said Ms. Fisher.
“Whether the students made the half-court shots or not, our sponsors wanted to make sure that they walked away with their scholarships,” said Josie Takes, alumni relations coordinator. “Naomi and Rachel were great sports, and S.T.A.T. is happy they will have a little extra money to help with their education costs.”
“This gift makes my dreams of studying abroad in Italy next semester and graduating with a nursing degree next spring so much more realistic,” said Ms. Vaughn. “I cannot express my gratitude enough!”