For the last couple weeks, one of our own has been navigating the possibility of losing a family member. Lori, one of our amazing TA’s and a 2018 Gus Macker Hall of Famer, has not been with us for our usual Gus Macker festivities to be with her family. The night before our class on March 2nd, Kaitlyn sent out a link for the Macker crew to compile uplifting messages, to show Lori some love during this trying time. In less than 24 hours, everyone had completed their messages and Kaitlyn transformed it into a physical book with all of our individual photos and messages.
Not only are we a Gus Macker team, but more importantly, we are a Gus Macker family!
This Macker family was also fast to debrief the 2023 Launch Party by discussing improvements for 2024 and to reinforce what went incredibly well (all thanks to Madison and the Special Events team!)
By the end of our conversation, we had a whiteboard full of suggestions and notes from the class. Everyone was incredibly passionate about the highs and the lows, setting up next year's class with a bundle of knowledge to prepare them for success.
The debrief also speaks to the quality of this team. Most of us will not return next year to participate in Gus Macker, as we will be heading off to internships, graduation or whatever life throws at us next. Because of the love we all have for this program, we poured everything we could into our download to make sure that the future Mackers have the same amazing experiences!
And speaking of amazing experiences, we got to celebrate this year’s Launch Party success! We all put on our brand new swag (mint colored Macker Monopoly sweatshirts), filled our glasses with champagne (sparkling juice) and cheered for a job well done with a series of new records!
Of course, it wouldn't be a celebration without a little dancing.
Donna Diggs was back on and we were ready to add more moves and grooves! Donna has created an amazing dance and we can't wait to showcase for you all on tournament weekend during Opening Ceremonies!