Marywood University held its 18th annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Feb. 1. during the halftime of the women’s basketball game against Cabrini College.

The three inductees joined 45 others already in the Hall of Fame. They included Ann Conflitti (‘96), Rebecca Grubb-Venancio (‘03), and the late Dustin Rhodes (‘06). Rhodes was honored posthumously, his award accepted by his wife Rebecca, a fellow Marywood graduate.

Before the induction ceremony began, the inductees and their families received a friendly welcome home from their alma mater by being treated to a brunch in Nazareth Student Center.

Conflitti was part of the women’s basketball team from 1992- 1996, and is currently the Pacer Club President. The club raises funds for the athletic department.

Conflitti added that she has been very pleased with how far Marywood’s athletic program has grown through the years.

“The state of the art facilities have helped improve the university, and the future is very bright,” Conflitti said.
Grubb-Venancio was a women’s soccer star during her tenure at Marywood.

Grubb-Venancio said she was surprised to be inducted to the Hall of Fame because she didn’t know Marywood even had a Hall of Fame.

“I never thought I’d be inducted into the Hall of Fame … I’m honored and humbled,” Grubb-Venancio said.
Rhodes, who lost his battle with brain cancer just last year, was a member of the men’s tennis and cross country teams from 2002-2006. His wife, Rebecca, was proud to accept the award on his behalf.

“I knew he could get it,” she said. “He had a lot of accomplishments at Marywood. He always was striving to be the best.”

Unfortunately, the girls basketball team wasn’t able to conclude the Hall of Fame induction ceremony with a win, losing to Cabrini College 58-48.

The final score of the game didn’t diminish the camaraderie and joyfulness of the whole day at Marywood University.