For Immediate Release: January 31, 2008
Contact: David O'Brian (dobrian@binghamton.edu)
Phone: 607-777-6478

Third Annual Lourdes Celebrating Women's Athletics Luncheon to be held February 4

VESTAL, N.Y. -- Lourdes Hospital has teamed up with BU Athletics and the Binghamton University Athletic Club to host the Third Annual Lourdes Celebrating Women's Athletics Luncheon and Auction on Monday, February 4 from 12-2 p.m. at the Binghamton University Events Center. All net proceeds from this event will support the BUAC Women's Scholarship, which will be awarded annually to a deserving female student-athlete.

Luncheon attendees will have the chance to meet current Binghamton student-athletes and coaches from the women's teams. There will be a variety of speakers, including Binghamton University President Lois DeFleur, Director of Athletics Joel Thirer, BUAC Board President Lana Rouff and President & CEO of Lourdes Hospital John O'Neil. Senior Gayarthri Balasundar of the women's tennis team will be the student speaker and Cathleen Ellsworth (Class of 1986), the Managing Director & Chief Marketing Officer for First Reserve Corporation, will be the keynote speaker.

"The Binghamton University Athletic Program is grateful to Lourdes Hospital and all of our sponsors for their efforts to grow support and awareness of women's opportunities in sport," Thirer said. "This is our third year of hosting this event, and each year it has doubled in attendance. We want to continue to encourage girls and women to participate in sport, and we are proud of how much growth there has been in these efforts over the past 25 years."

More than 250 guests are expected to attend the luncheon.