WQLN photo: Mercyhurst will join other regional colleges in the Collegiate Challenge on Monday, Oct. 21, from 6 a.m. through 1 p.m. to raise money for public broadcasting.

On Monday, Oct. 21, the Carolyn Herrmann Student Union will be the home for the launch of WQLN Collegiate Challenge. WQLN (91.3FM), a local public radio station, will visit local colleges to raise $100,000 for public broadcasting.

A handful of other regional colleges, including Gannon, Penn State Behrend, Edinboro, Allegheny, LECOM and Pitt-Titusville will be joining Mercyhurst in this friendly competition, each school vying for two trophies.

The first trophy, currently at Edinboro University, goes to the college for the most over-all money raised. LECOM holds the second trophy, which is awarded to the most-improved college.

During the event, various Mercyhurst students, faculty and even our president will present their talents on-air:

6-7 a.m.: Gregg Robbins-Welty, Mercyhurst student and championship banjo competitor
7-8 a.m.: Travis Lindahl, associate vice president of enrollment, McAuley College of Associate Degree Studies
8-9 a.m.: Thomas Gamble, president
9-10 a.m.: Albert Glinsky, professor of music
10-11 a.m.: Noelle Partusch, associate professor of dance
11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Joe Kimball, director of athletics
12-1 p.m.: Jamie Grady, director, Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture

Mercyhurst supporters are able to pledge money either by using the pledge line at 814-866-5454 or by visiting http://www.wqln.org/main/radio/collegiate%20challenge/.

Those who intend to pledge have the opportunity to either pledge now, or wait until the time of the challenge to show their support. Walk-in donations will be accepted during the event.

Last year, Mercyhurst raised $10,559. Show your support to your colleagues and our university by attending the broadcast and making a pledge. The challenge will broadcast live in the Carolyn Herrmann Student Union on Monday, Oct. 21, from 6 a.m. through 1 p.m.