Greek, business students unite to help injured student

By Gwen Daniels

Published April 4, 2008

The MU community is uniting in support of an MU student who was struck by a car early last Wednesday morning in Panama City Beach, Fla.

Senior Mike Maniaci, a business administration major and member of the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity, remains in critical condition at the Bay Medical Center ICU in Panama City, Fla., the hospital said. He was taken to the hospital after the collision for emergency surgery to relieve internal bleeding in his brain.

Mike Maniaci will be medically sedated until his brain swelling recedes, said Phi Kappa Theta fraternity President Mitchel May.

“That could be anywhere from the next five days to the next two months,” May added. “There are still a lot of unknowns. We’re all just hoping for the best.”

The Maniaci family has set up a charitable trust fund to collect donations.

Many student organizations are planning fundraisers to help offset medical expenses, including a medical jet to eventually transport Mike Maniaci from Panama City to Missouri, May said.

Phi Kappa Theta fraternity members hope to raise at least $5,000 for Mike Maniaci, May added.

Many fraternity members have donated money to the fund. May said the fraternity also plans to solicit donations around Greektown.

In addition, Delta Upsilon fraternity has made contributions, May said.

Students at the Robert J. Trulaske, Sr. College of Business are also planning two fundraisers.

Mike Maniaci is the vice president of the College of Business Student Council and is a member of Alpha Kappa Psi honors business fraternity, May said. He also played on the MU club volleyball team.

A group of business students is coordinating a picnic lunch fundraiser and a charity volleyball tournament at the Student Recreation Complex, said College of Business Student Council Vice President of Leadership Brad Tweedy.

He said both events are still in the planning stages.

Generic Nightclub will also collect donations for Mike Maniaci on Saturday night.

The Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Association plan to sponsor a candlelight vigil in honor of Mike Maniaci, IFC President Bryan VanGronigen said. The date depends on the schedule of the Mike Maniaci family and has not been set, he added.

VanGronigen said the Greek community has come together in support of Mike Maniaci.

“It’s very humbling in my position to see the community unite behind this,” he said. “When it comes down to it, members are willing to lay down their rivalries and unite behind one member who is in severe need of our help right now.”

Ultimately, support for all members is the foundation of Greek life, IFC spokesman Sam Hargadine said.

“It’s really important to make sure we’re all a Greek community and when one of us gets hurt, we’re all there to support each other,” he said.