The Chicago chapter of the UMAA, the only club of its kind to hold an event like this, raises thousands of dollars to benefit the Hurricane Club, which supports the University of Miami Athletic Program; the Chicago Alumni Club; and most importantly, Chicago-area students who hope to attend the University of Miami. Last year’s event was a record breaking year in both attendance and scholarship funds with $45,000 raised.

Kicking off this year’s event, the Chicago Alumni Club and Head Football Coach Randy Shannon are proud to honor current Baltimore Raven and Hurricane Great Ed Reed at the Metropolitan Club on the 66th Floor of the Willis Tower, 233 S Wacker Drive on Thursday, June 3 at 7pm. Other special guests in attendance include Chicago Bears Tight End and Hurricane Alumnus Greg Olsen, Chicago native and Hurricane Alumnus Jarrett Payton, NFL Hall of Famer and Hurricane Alumnus Ted Hendricks, Hurricane Offensive Coordinator Mark Whipple, and Hurricane Coaches Wesley McGriff (Secondary), Joe Pannunzio (Tight Ends/Special Teams), and Jeff Stoutland (Offensive Line).

Following the dinner and ceremony, attendees will have a unique opportunity to meet-and-greet with the special guests and take part in a question and answer session. Tickets are limited and priced at $150.

The Scholarship Classic continues on Friday, June 4 with a Golf Outing at Oakbrook Country Club, 2606 York Road in Oak Brook beginning at 1pm. After golf, players and guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails at an awards reception, featuring a silent auction, raffle and a meet and greet with the players and coaches.