The seventh annual NRM Golf Invitational, held Wednesday at the White Deer Golf Course, raised about $6,000 to fund an endowed scholarship for Pennsylvania College of Technology's School of Natural Resources Management.
Twenty-two foursomes comprised of industry representatives and college faculty/staff competed at the tournament, the final one arranged by Wayne R. Longbrake, retired dean of the school. Longbrake and his wife, Kathie the former dean of the School of Health Sciences have retired and relocated to North Carolina.
According to Barry R. Stiger, vice president for institutional advancement, a total of about $42,000 has been raised through the yearly tournament. The first student scholarship from the endowed fund was awarded in Fall 2005.
During the post-event luncheon in the Nature's Cove dining area at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center catered by the college's Le Jeune Chef Restaurant organizers and guests applauded Longbrake's efforts on behalf of students.
Stiger calculated that, between the endowed fund and other financial assistance, Longbrake has helped raise $270,000 toward student scholarships just since 2000. And that is exclusive of the equipment, material and "top-notch technology" that have flowed into the school through the contacts that Longbrake and his administration have cultivated over the years, he added.
"Wayne has set an incredible example in forging business and industry connections," said college President Davie Jane Gilmour. "We are a much better place because of Wayne Longbrake. He has worked hard and he has earned his retirement."
Mary A. Sullivan, dean of natural resources management, assured attendees that those cooperative efforts will remain a priority for her and Assistant Dean Brett A. Reasner.
Speaking on behalf of industry, Karl Quinn, training manager for Alban Tractor Co. and a member of the school's Heavy Construction Equipment Technology/Caterpillar Advisory Committee, charted the phenomenal changes in the school since he first visited in April 1985. The expansion of laboratory space, students' continuing access to state-of-the-industry equipment, the growth of faculty and the increased participation in the Career Fair all have combined to ensure that Penn College "graduates hit the ground running" when they enter the workforce, Quinn said.
For more about the School of Natural Resources Management at Penn College, call (570) 320-8038, send e-mail or visit online.