Gainey's Graduation Highlights Jam The Gym 2014

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Ed Taylor, Director of Marketing & Communications 608-663-2333

Madison, Wis. (Feb. 10, 2014) – Saturday afternoon's "Jam the Gym" event at the Edgewood College men's and women's basketball games certainly lived up to its name. However, as part of the #UniteToFight campaign to raise money for the American Cancer Society, the full house crowd experienced a moment they won't likely forget.

Jim Gainey, a former Edgewood College student who left school more than 10 years ago, to begin a career in the hotel industry, was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer about a year ago. On Saturday, having earned the final credits he needed, Gainey stepped onto the floor of the Todd Wehr Edgedome in a special ceremony between games, and had his Bachelor of Science degree conferred upon him by Edgewood College President Dr. Dan Carey.

Joining Jim for the special graduation ceremony were his wife Catherine Gainey, herself an Edgewood College graduate, and their two sons Seamus, age 4, and Finn, age 1½. Not returning sooner to get his degree had been a regret of Jim's, but on Saturday, there were no more regrets to be found.

Preliminary totals for the #UniteToFight campaign indicate the Edgewood College community raised approximately $5,000 for the American Cancer Society on Saturday. Admission to the games, commemorative T-shirt sales, donations and a portion of Saturday's concession stand revenue all went toward the #UniteToFight effort. On Thursday, Edgewood College will present their final #UniteToFight donation to the American Cancer Society.

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Related coverage:

Wisconsin State Journal: Couple's story of dealing with cancer helps lead to Edgewood College diploma

WISC TV-3: Cancer survivor gets last credit to graduate college

WMTV TV-15: #UniteToFight