Friday, June 28, 2024
Photos by Becky J. Shaner, senior manager of donor relations and special events; and Alexandra Butler, photographer/photo editor
Notah Begay III, renowned PGA Tour Champions golfer and broadcast analyst for the Golf Channel and NBC Sports, demonstrates his putting form as part of an exhibition during the Pennsylvania College of Technology Foundation’s 38th Annual Golf Classic. The event, held recently at the Williamsport Country Club, raised $120,000 for student scholarships at Penn College.
The Pennsylvania College of Technology Foundation’s 38th Annual Golf Classic raised $120,000 recently for student scholarships.
Including this year’s fundraising effort, the Penn College Foundation Golf Classic Scholarship Fund now exceeds $2.2 million. Proceeds from the Golf Classic – along with accumulated investment income – created the endowed scholarship fund, one of the foundation’s largest.
This year’s event featured Notah Begay III, a four-time PGA Tour winner, current player on the PGA Tour Champions and broadcast analyst with the Golf Channel and NBC Sports.
Begay chats with the audience during an exhibition at the Golf Classic.
A three-time All-American at Stanford University, Begay was a member of the 1994 NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship team. He was named to the Stanford Athletic Hall of Fame in 2014, with collegiate teammate Tiger Woods introducing him.
In 2005, he created the Notah Begay III Foundation, an award-winning, Native-led nonprofit with the vision to improve Native American children’s health through physical activity, healthy nutrition, youth development and cultural connections.
As part of the day’s events, held June 24 at the Williamsport Country Club, Begay offered an exhibition and interacted with teams playing a best-ball tournament. Awards were presented at a dinner for players and their guests.
The Golf Classic’s participants gather to learn from the four-time PGA Tour winner.
“It was wonderful to be part of an event that raises critical scholarship funding and highlights the amazing things going on at Penn College!” Begay said. “It's truly making a difference in the community.”
“We thank our sponsors, community and corporate partners for their continued support of this event,” said Kyle A. Smith, senior executive director of college relations. “Even more important is the investment they make in our students and their education. There is a critical need for a highly educated and talented workforce across the industries that we serve. Scholarship support helps remove a potential barrier for students who wish to seek a Penn College education. Thank you for your investment in them and in the future of our community.”
Team Baker Tilly, pictured with Begay, finished first in the team competition.
Title sponsor for the 38th Annual Golf Classic was Compass Group North America.
At the event luncheon, Penn College President Michael J. Reed said: “Compass is an industry leader. And, thanks to their belief in our mission and strong advocacy for our applied technology education, Penn College business and hospitality students gain invaluable hands-on experiences each year working at the Kentucky Derby. … Compass has an endowed scholarship, too, which helps Penn College students remain focused on their coursework while working to design the career of their dreams.”
“Compass Group is proud to support the Penn College Foundation Golf Classic as title sponsor since 2018,” said Chris Kowalewski, chief growth officer. “We applaud the doors PCT opens for its students and graduates, as well as the opportunities it offers to the community at large. We are not simply sponsoring an event, but investing in bright futures!”
Other event sponsors were:
Tournament sponsors: Hudock Capital Group LLC and M&T Bank.
Pro sponsors: EQT Corporation, Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc., The Hartman Group, McCormick Law Firm and TurnKey Electric Inc.
Hospitality sponsors: Ken & Kristie Healy Foundation, The Liberty Group and Young Industries.
Gift sponsors: Eastern Alliance Insurance Group; Real Estate Excel, A Girio Realty Co.; Susquehanna Trailways; Wayne Twp. Landfill; and Woodlands Bank.
Closest-to-the-Pin Awards: Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships, Fairfield Auto Group, and Mark and Connie Sitler.
Penn College Foundation Golf Committee members coordinating this year’s event were Linda Alberts, Aubrey Alexander, Larry Allison Jr., David Coates, John Confer, George Girio, Ken Healy, Michael Hudock Jr., Phil Johnson, Christopher Keiser, Allen Kiessling, Rick Quigley, Paul Rooney, Mark Sitler and Blair Soars.
For more about giving opportunities at Penn College, call 570-320-8020.
For more about the college, a national leader in applied technology education and a special mission affiliate of Penn State, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.
Old Glory, hoisted by a crane provided by Allison Crane & Rigging, provides perspective.
Team Chesapeake Energy: The foursome came in second in the team competition.
Signage recognizes the tournament’s 27 player sponsors.
A player from Team BRIX lines up his putt.
Team Blaise Alexander – including Penn College Foundation Board member Aubrey Alexander ’09 (business administration: management information systems concentration) and his nephew Blaise.
This group – joined by Begay – had a great hole 10. From left: Steve Johnson, Mary Ann Johnson, Begay, and First Citizens Community Bank’s Mick Jones and TJ Howe.
President Michael J. Reed congratulates a player from First National Bank of Pennsylvania for his great shot. Reed thanked all teams for their support.
Team Glenn O. Hawbaker Inc. captures a selfie with Begay. From left: Joe Reighard, Steve Taylor, Begay, James Brent ’07 and Hal Gee.
Brent smiles after a great shot.
The team of Dave and Maggie Roche (left) and Ed and Linda Alberts, joined for the day by the Alberts’ grandson, pause with Begay.
Howe (left) chats with Begay.
Steve Johnson follows through.
Reed and Begay connect on the course.
Player awards await scoring calculations.
During the post-tournament dinner, Begay shares stories and fields questions. “The game of golf paved the way for me,” he told guests. “I thank you for your kindness and generosity today.”
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