STORY COURTESY OF ATLANTIC EAST CONFERENCE COMMUNICATIONS

Story from Marymount.com Website.

 

The Atlantic East Conference announced the league's Man of the Year on Tuesday afternoon, naming Marymount University's Jack Bifano the recipient of the award. 

 

The Man of the Year award is presented to one male student-athlete who combined superior academic and athletic achievement during their career thus far. The successful candidate(s) must have competed in an Atlantic East-sponsored championship sport from a full-member institution. 

 

Bifano, was a three year Marymount men's basketball team member and a Bridgeport High School graduate. The team won the Atlantic East Championship in 2022-23 and 2023-24 finishing as the first back-to-back champions in men's basketball. On the court Bifano played in 80 games through his career starting in 54 of them. He averaged19.3 minutes and a shot 46.3 percent from the field. He tallied 137 points and 153 rebounds in his final season with the Saints.

 

Jack Bifano has found numerous ways to showcase his impact off the court as well through his time at Marymount. He has worked as an RA for the past three years while also doing over 100 hours of community service. Bifano has work Special Olympics events, made food for the homeless, visited local elementary schools to read and conduct PE programs as well as working in the local gardens and foodbanks.

 

Bifano had a strong academic career at Marymount as well graduating with a 4.0 GPA while majoring in Biology with an emphasis on pre-dentistry. The senior won back-to-back Elite 20 awards for men's basketball. This is presented to the athlete at the final championship venue that maintains the highest cumulative GPA. More on the award can be found here Elite 20 Award. In addition, Bifano earned the 2023 Dr. Linda McMahon award which is given to the student-athlete with the highest GPA of the academic year. The award winner for 2024 has not been announced at this time.

 

Marymount's Jack Bifano has worked throughout his career at Marymount to be both an exceptional student, athlete, and also community member for the Saints.

 

Jack's Reflection on the last year Marymount: 

 

"Immediately when I consider impacting the world, my mind races to feats of heroism like leading a breakthrough in cancer research or representing your country athletically on the biggest stage. A brief reflection of the passing year quickly reveals that, unfortunately, I haven't yet reached those mountaintops. However, in a year full of peaks and valleys that ultimately shape the topography of life, I can say that my impact was strongly felt by those around me.

 

"As I pursue the goal of dental school, this past year, academically, was nothing short of strenuous. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA was no easy task, but it's not what I am most proud of. Instead, I focus on the hours of research conducted, following three separate avenues. First, the opportunity to study abroad in Belize this past summer, a continuation of those experiences culminating to my honors thesis on the effects climate change has on natural resource reliant communities. Second, managing a turtle physiology lab, in which vital research on cospecies inhabitance defends the livelihood of the red-eared slider turtle. And finally, the opportunity to explore the effects of a family of cell membrane proteins and their implications in cell-to-cell fusion events, with possible ramifications on diseases associated with muscular degeneration. Academically, my impact was felt.

 

"As an on-campus resident assistant, I thrive in the ability to shape the college experience for others, especially freshman. Building a sense of community and establishing lifelong relationships for those enduring one of the most vulnerable times of their life, is an impact I cherish. Although my residents may not realize, the effect they have on me is much greater. I am continually pushed beyond my comfort zone, towards an area of forceful personal growth and exploration. On campus, my impact is felt, both externally and internally.

 

"Athletically, I have found the greatest positive impact comes off the court. Although a two-year starter for two of the most successful teams in Marymount history, our youth camps and camper appreciation days are where I feel my impact is the greatest. The opportunity to inspire the local kids to pick up a ball, practice, and see how far you can go is one I don't take for granted. Athletically, my impact was felt.

The final area I had a positive impact was among the Arlington/DC community. I take pride in the ability to serve the greater community, and this past year was littered with community service events to prove it. Mainly, sandwich making for the homeless, tending to the Marymount garden to provide fresh produce for those in need, and planting trees to mitigate a local heat island. In the community, my impact was felt.

 

"My growth and development as a person this past year has been exponential, but it has always been my hope that the true essence lies at the way in which I affect those around me."

 

Editor's Note: Photo courtesy of Marymount.com.