Providence College Athletics
Friar Athletics Holds Student-Athlete Career Night
11/18/2016 12:00:00 AM | General
PROVIDENCE, R.I. - 
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On Tuesday, November 15, the Providence College Athletic Department in conjunction with the Career Education Center and Office of Academic Support held its Student-Athlete Career Night. The event was made possible through the generous support of Mark Mandell and Yvette Boisclair '84 who have sponsored the event since its inception in 2008.
More than 90 student-athletes from the junior and senior classes attended the event which was held in '64 Hall. The night began with a message from Mark Mandell who challenged the student-athletes to focus on the important things in life, those which will positively impact others. Lastly he stressed the need to maintain a strong work/life balance.
The keynote speaker at the event was John McDonald '10. McDonald was a standout student-athlete at Providence College and his success on the diamond earned him a 12th round draft pick by the Cleveland Indians. Prior to earning his degree, McDonald left PC to pursue a career in Major League Baseball. After seven years in Major League Baseball, McDonald began taking online courses at PC and eventually earned his degree in 2010; all while continuing to play professionally. After 16 seasons in the Major Leagues, McDonald retired as a World Series Champion (as a member of the Red Sox 2013 team) and proud alumnus of Providence College.
McDonald currently works as the Infield Coordinator for the Cleveland Indians and he spoke to the student-athletes about the importance of relationships and building your personal brand. McDonald played for 8 different teams during his tenure in MLB and the relationships and reputation that he built were the catalyst for him being attractive to so many different franchises.
"I learned early on that there was a place for a guy like me - somebody who could play defense and enjoys going into ballgames in the ninth inning, whether the game was close or we were up or down 10 runs" said McDonald.
Following the speaking program, student-athletes enjoyed dinner and had the opportunity to network with professionals from various industries including education, finance, health care policy, law, marketing, medicine and sports administration.
"Friar student-athletes spend four years playing a sport that they love. When they graduate, we want them to find a career that they are equally passionate about. Ultimately it's about pursuing a life of meaning, and that has always been the ethos of Providence College" said Athletic Director, Bob Driscoll. "Mark and Yvette are incredible examples of the impact that can be made with philanthropy and I speak for the hundreds of student-athletes who have benefited from their support when I say, thank you."
In addition to sponsoring the Student-Athlete Career Night, Mark Mandell and Yvette Boisclair '84 have also established endowed and immediate use scholarships to provide the gift of opportunity and education to Providence College student-athletes.
Previous keynote speakers at Providence College Student-Athlete Career Nights include: 2014 National Principal of the Year, Dr. Sheila Harrity '87, Providence College Head Men's Basketball Coach Ed Cooley, and ESPN Analyst Jay Williams.
