2010 Sea Gull Century Scholarships Presented in Honor of McNeill

From left: Kandice Hancock, Tara McGovern, Patrick Gotham, Maureen McNeill, Robert McNeill, Rachel Ploor and Rebecca Brannock.

SALISBURY, MD---Active in the life of Salisbury University, Jeffrey McNeill worked for more than 11 years as an architect in its Facilities Planning Department. He designed and managed the construction of many projects, but often said his favorite was refurbishing the clock tower in historic Holloway Hall.

McNeill completed several Sea Gull Century bike rides as a member of Team in Training, a group that cycles annually to raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  As a volunteer, he provided SAG service to other riders.

After McNeill lost his battle with esophageal cancer in November 2009, organizers sought to honor the avid supporter.  On Monday, February 15, Sea Gull Century Scholarships were presented to SU students in his memory.

This year’s eight recipients are: sophomore Rebecca Brannock, an athletic training major from Church Creek, MD; junior Christine Craddock, a mathematics and secondary education major from Salisbury; junior Patrick Gotham, a business management and marketing major from Salisbury; junior Kandice Hancock, an exercise science major from Westover, MD; senior Courtney Langton, an athletic training major from Hooksett, NH; sophomore Tara McGovern, a nursing major from Yorktown, NY; junior Christina Ostland, an early childhood and elementary education major from Mount Laurel, NJ; and junior Rachel Ploor, an athletic training major from Crownsville, MD.

“The Sea Gull Century is more than just a bike ride,” said Gotham, a three-time student volunteer, who is also president of SU’s Student Government Association.  “It’s a social outlet, a challenge and a community event. Although I’ve never ridden, I see the dedication that each of the cyclists puts into this event. I feel so honored to be a recipient of this scholarship and am definitely looking forward to next year’s ride!”
McNeill’s wife, Maureen, who formerly worked in University Advancement, and their son, Robert, will attend the luncheon.

“Above all, Jeff treasured his family,” said Dr. Dennis Pataniczek, dean of the Seidel School of Education and Professional studies, who was McNeill’s colleague and friend.  “He liked nothing better than to spend time with his kids and his wife.  He took pleasure in the simple things.  He lived his last few years with an attitude of gratitude.”

In addition to cycling, McNeill loved sailing, kayaking, hiking, wood working, drawing, painting and playing golf.  He was a member of the American Institute of Architects and a former member of the Salisbury Jaycees.

Selected by the Sea Gull Century Scholarship Committee, the awards are given annually and are renewable for up to two years.  Students must have a minimum 3.0 grade point average and have contributed to or participated in the University’s Sea Gull Century bike ride. Amounts range from $500 to $1,000.

For more information call 410-677-5416 or visit www.seagullcentury.org.