Sport Management Program Hosts Two Spring Events
4th Annual Sport Business Symposium and Career Fair
GMercyU’s Sport Management program hosted the 4th Annual Sport Business Symposium and Career Fair ‘Behind the Game’ on Thursday, April 16. The event kicked off with a Career Fair for students to network and build connections with the 12 companies in attendance, which included organizations such as Living Sport, The Proving Grounds, University of Pennsylvania, and Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer.
Following the Career Fair, students moved into the auditorium for the panel discussion which featured Spike Eskin, Host of the 94WIP Afternoon Show, and Olivia Reiner, Philadelphia Eagles Beat Report for The Philadelphia Inquirer. The panel discussion was moderated by Senior Dom Gerasimowicz. For their time, Olivia and Spike were gifted $250 each to their choice of charity. Olivia chose Association for Women in Sports Media and Spike chose Walk for Paws.
"This event was a little different from the others,” Sport Management student CJ Clyde ’28 said. “This was the most influential event to the students and I’m very grateful I was a part of helping run this event. I had a great time meeting new companies and being able to listen to Spike and Olivia share their expertise.”
Led by Program Director Maddie Herman, EdD, the event was organized by the Sport Management Senior Capstone class “The Front Office.” Seniors handled all of details, including the conception of the event and logistics. The seniors even secured sponsorships from MortgageCS and ASAV All Systems.
During the event, Senior Sport Management student Vanessa Vavrova was awarded the “Sport Management Program Leadership Award” and Senior Sport Management major Camryn Kinney was awarded the “Camryn Kinney Program Champion Award” for all they have done for the program during their time at GMercyU.
The Senior Sport Management students who hosted the event under their company name “The Front Office” included: Vanessa Vavrova (CEO), CJ Clyde (IT & Risk Management Coordinator), Kayla Lelionis (Executive Assistant), Jon Cimino (Hospitality Coordinator), Chris Nodeland (CFO), Dom Gerasimowicz (Marketing and Media Director), Kira Bradley (Operations Coordinator), Devin Benson (School Outreach Coordinator), and Jake Okon (Sponsorship Coordinator).
5K Run for Rare 5K and 1-Mile Walk
GMercyU’s Sport Business Association (SBA) hosted the 5K Run for Rare 5K and 1-Mile Walk on Sunday, April 26.
With 30 runners participating, SBA raised more than $500 to support the rare disease community through Uplifting Athletes, a non-profit that SBA has worked with and volunteer for previously. Uplifting Athletes uses the power of sport to raise awareness and funds for rare diseases.
"My wife and I were quite impressed with the Run for Rare event. The excellence in its organization reflects the excellence in the Sports Management program,” Bob Feldman, a participant, said.
In addition to SBA, GMercyU students in Dr. Herman’s UNV class served as volunteers.
“Volunteering for the 5K showed me how fulfilling small acts of care can be. Putting together care packages for the runners while promoting women’s health awareness felt inspiring because each item represented support, strength, and community. I hope this 5K continues to grow every year, bringing more people together to run with purpose and raise awareness,” Biology student Aria Castaldi said.