[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/mess_1.jpg” caption=”M.E.S.S.!”]More than 500 McMaster employees and their families were invited to share an afternoon of fun with their friends and colleagues by attending the McMaster Marauders women's and men's varsity basketball games and the McMaster musical theatre production of Jesus Christ Superstar on Saturday, Feb. 21.

The basketball and theatre events were sponsored and organized by the McMaster Employee Spirit Society (M.E.S.S.!) in partnership with the Office of Student Affairs, and Athletics and Recreation. The objective of M.E.S.S.! is to promote McMaster team spirit through the organization of sporting and cultural events that encourage employees to have fun with their colleagues and families.

Both events featured complimentary tickets, including a complimentary reception, and draw prizes. The basketball games featured the McMaster Marauders women's and men's basketball teams defeating the University of Windsor Lancers, 87-57 and 57-52 respectively.

The women's game began with a ceremonial tip-off by McMaster University's United Way campaign co-chair Dorothy Pawluch. The men's ceremonial tip-off was in recognition of former head football coach Greg Marshall for his contributions to the McMaster Marauders football program. Jesus Christ Superstar began with introductory remarks from Phil Wood, associate vice-president, Student Affairs.

Kathy Kishmoto, musical event chair said, “The performance was well-received by the McMaster employees in attendance. What a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.”

Susan Birnie, basketball event co-chair added, “It was great to see so many McMaster employees in attendance cheering on the home team. We were thrilled to be on hand to see the women's and men's basketball teams rise to the occasion.”

Members of M.E.S.S.! include Pat Harris (chair), Susan Birnie (basketball event chair), Kathy Kishimoto (musical event chair), Anthony Celani, Alex Coldwell, Theresa Cooke, Pat Fraser, Terry Galan, Stacey Henderson, Robert Hilson, David Tucker, Tim Louks, Dave Maharaj, Milica Pavlica, Cam Playfair, Dale Stevens, Elizabeth Way, Bob West, and Stacey Zucker.

Volunteers are invited to join the M.E.S.S.! team. Interested volunteers can e-mail mess@mcmaster.ca or contact Anthony Celani, ext. 23554. For more information about M.E.S.S.! visit www.workingatmcmaster.ca/life

Photo captions: Top photo: Greg Marshall is honoured during the ceremonial tip-off at the McMaster Marauders men's basketball game. Left to right: McMaster President Peter George, Windsor Lancer Trevor Boose, Greg Marshall, graduating senior Steve Martin, and M.E.S.S.! chair Pat Harris. Bottom photo: M.E.S.S.! musical event Chair Kathy Kishimoto and Phil Wood, associate vice-president, Student Affairs enjoy an afternoon at the theatre.