Moon Township, Pa. – The Robert Morris University women's basketball team announces it is teaming up with Crawley's Creation and the Be The Match Foundation to honor former university professor Dr. Rex Crawley in its regular-season finale on Thursday, March 5, against Saint Francis U at Peoples Court at the UPMC Events Center.
Dr. Crawley, a communications professor and assistant dean of Robert Morris' School of Communications and Information Systems, passed away in November of 2013 from complications from non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. The Be The Match Foundation supports the life-saving mission of the Be The Match/National Marrow Donor Program, ensuring that patients diagnosed with blood cancers get the stem cell transplant they need for a second chance at life.
"Dr. Crawley was a very inspirational and supportive dean, and friend and family to our program," said RMU head coach Charlie Buscaglia. "This opportunity to help such a great cause in honor of his name is a blessing to be a part of. We're very excited to team up with such a great foundation."
Crawley was an avid fan of bow ties, and his sister, Sylvia Crawley, has launched a line of bow ties through Crawley's Creation called the Rex Collection. The Rex Collection was created to keep Dr. Crawley's torch lit and to raise awareness about the need for more African Americans to be tested for bone marrow donations. A portion of the proceeds will go towards cancer research, and Buscaglia will wear a Rex Collection bow tie that night to honor him.
A representative with Be The Match will be at the game, and fans are encouraged to register with the foundation to be tested for bone marrow donations.
Opening tip for Thursday's contest will be at 7:00 p.m. and tickets can be purchased online on Ticketmaster or by calling the RMU Ticket Office at (412) 397-4949. Prices are $25 for courtside seating and $9 for general admission. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN+.
Follow the Colonials: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
