With Detroit Mayor Dave Bing as the headline speaker – he was an NBA All-Star during his career as was the late DeBusschere, who played collegiately at U of D – the attendees also enjoyed hearing from University President Fr. Gerard Stockhausen, S.J., and athletic director Keri Gaither as well as DeBusschere's son Peter, who flew in from New York for the event and spoke on behalf of the family. DeBusschere's four sisters – Marcia, Sharon, Barbara and Judy, all of whom live in the Detroit area – were also in attendance aboard the Ovation.

Mayor Bing spoke highly of the “University of Detroit,” its commitment to the city and also took note of the role it played in Dave DeBusschere's life as a young man. Bing pledged the "full support of his office" and promised to do whatever the city can to assist the University moving forward. Bing was previously a member of the UDM Board of Trustees for five years.

Gaither thanked the #22 Committee members who helped make the event such a success. "A special thanks goes out to Mike Bartnicki and Ron Thayer, our co-chairs, who really made the event special through their efforts,” she said.

Like the initial fundraiser held in 2007, last night's event again reached its goal toward providing benefits for student-athletes at the University of Detroit Mercy while also raising money for the Dave DeBusschere Scholarship. DeBusschere, who passed away suddenly 2003, was a three-time All-American as a Titan before starring in the pros, where he ultimately was named one of the Top 50 NBA players of all time.

The Dave DeBusschere scholarship will provide annual support to two worthy UDM student-athletes. Students who are considered for the scholarship must have a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills.

A wonderful silent auction, featuring autographed sports memorabilia and VIP event tickets, also helped raise funds during the evening. The UDM athletic department thanks all those who contributed items to the silent auction – the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Pistons, Henry Ford Museum, Hyatt Regency Dearborn, Hilton Garden Inn Detroit Downtown, Opus One, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, an anonymous donor and Zehnder's of Frankenmuth.

-Detroit Titans-