Anderson Arena was once filled again with screaming college students and Dan Dakich last night, but not under the normal circumstances. Balloons, film reels and a mock projector took the place of Keith McLeod, Brandon Pardon and Len Matela as the University Ambassadors (UA) and the Student Alumni Association hosted Beyond BG, their annual end-of-year celebration.
This year’s theme was “Come and See Beyond BG,” as mock film equipment and props filled the Arena. Dakich, along with Toledo’s Channel 11 anchor Jerry Anderson served as emcees for the event, which entertained about 800.
UA president-elect Justin Lowry said this event is the group’s pride and joy, something they work for from the start of the fall.
“A lot of organizations and people on campus have different ways of rewarding the students,” Lowry said. “This is our way, with this event. This is our way of rewarding each year’s students, and in particular the seniors, for their hard work.”
Each year the gala features numerous prize giveaways, free food and drinks, games, magicians and caricatures in addition to two $500 book scholarships for two underclassmen to the University bookstore, a trip to New York City for a senior and the Outstanding Senior Award.
This year’s Beyond BG featured hundreds of subs from Subway, pizza by Domino’s and bagels from Barry’s, while Kaufman’s Steakhouse and Finders, among others, donated gift certificates and prizes.
Senior Cheryl Pilot was the recipient of the trip to New York City, while Thomas Maxson, who also serves as the president of UA, was named the Oustanding Senior of 2002.
“This really was a shock to me,” Maxson said. “I was just happy to be up for the award, and to win it is really something I will treasure. As I got more and more involved in the University, I found that (being involved) was something I enjoyed immensely. This really wasn’t a goal of mine, but I’ll take it.”
UA adviser Mo Cotton said she could not have been happier with how the event turned out.
“I was so happy with the event,” Cotton said. “Jerry Anderson worked out great, and I’m happy to see how it all came out here.” Anderson, who now serves as the anchor of Channel 11’s 5 p.m. broadcast, is a former BG student and a former anchor of Channel 13’s 6 and 11 p.m. broadcasts. He said it was a joy to be back in BG and help the students.
“I got a call earlier this week, and Thursday was my only open night this week,” Anderson said. “I hopped at the opportunity. … I love coming back down here, I do it as often as I can. I’m emceeing the Lou Holtz dinner tomorrow, so coming back down here is a joy to me.”
