On Saturday afternoon the Gaels game at York was played in memory of Marco William Alessio, a member of the Gaels men's basketball team from 1987 to 1989. He came to Queen's having developed his competitive spirit and basketball skills at London's Catholic Central High School and through countless contests with his younger brother Mike, a standout with the Wilfrid Laurier Golden Hawks.

Mark was a man of tremendous spirit and character who became a teacher and through that profession traveled the world, often in his Volkswagen van and never without his beloved laptop, guitar and, above all, coffee. Coffee-making to him was a near religious experience. 

He brought enthusiasm to each day and lived with an urgency befitting his short time on earth. He had courage, 
integrity, humour and intellect; and if he caught us describing him this way he would put us in a headlock. 

Mark lived by his own life principles, which, though always a work in progress, included these sentiments: 

•    Make it better
•    Idle at yes
•    Always be clapping
•    Use your superpowers for good
•    The clock is running
•    Save your work

After teaching in Hong Kong, Mexico and Spain he took a position in Madagascar where, on February 23, 2009, at the age of 43, he was killed during a time of political upheaval.

Mark's family and teammates gather to pay tribute to a dear friend and to recognize how important Queen's and the basketball team were to him. In doing so we are reminded of another of Mark's life principles; to "proceed from gratitude", to be generous of time and spirit, grateful for opportunity and to leave each day and each person a little better than you found them. 

A scholarship has been established in Mark's memory. It is granted annually to a member of the team based on athletic and academic excellence. This year's award winner is Andrew Mavety.

Mavety is playing a key role on the team this year averaging 5.3 ppg, and shooting over 50% from beyond the arc all while being on pace to be an Academic All-Canadian in the classroom.  Mavety serves as a strong role model for the younger players on the team as he demonstrated his hard work and dedication in rehabbing from missing an entire season due to both hip labrum needing to be surgically repaired.
 
"I am honored to be awarded the Alessio Award as I understand the true character Marc demonstrated on and off the court along with the significant impact he had on people around him. I am also fortunate to join the great group of guys who have been awarded in the past."

Marc's mother Mia, brother Mike Alessio, along with his family were on hand for the occasion to celebrate the memory of Marco. A former teammate of Alessio's Mike Burleigh addressed the current team before the game and was joined by several alumni to honour Alessio.