On Friday June 15, the MWU Office of Development & Alumni Relations on the Downers Grove Campus hosted the third annual MWU Golf Classic. More than 100 golfers joined us for a hot but fun day on the links. All proceeds from the event are used to support student scholarships.

Golf is one of those wonderful "equalizing" sports. Few people who golf in corporate outings and scrambles are really good golfers. Most of us do it for fun, relaxation, and business. This year's outing provided all of that, as well as a hot, sweltering, humid day. The participants in our outing included our construction company and several contractors; our financial and business partners; a few foursomes of alumni; university administration and faculty; and community leaders. For the second year in a row, the winning foursome was Heritage Bank, led by MWU Board member John Ladowicz. For the second year in a row, they donated their prize ($300 in gift certificates at the clubhouse) back to the University for an auction, which netted an additional $500 contribution to scholarships. Very generous indeed. Adler Roofing came in second place. My team of Johnson/Burris/Sandack/Bedalov came in at a respectable 6 under par.


Me and my golf partner (let's call him "Bob") head out for our round


While I would never claim to be a good golfer, I am a good driver. I am also very competitive (as a former college athlete well past my prime). I am pleased to say that I won the contest for longest drive for the second year in a row, and the second week in a row (I won the same event at the Downers Grove Chamber outing the previous week). I was honored to be joined in my foursome by Downers Grove Mayor Ron Sandack and Economic Development Council Director Greg Bedalov. I was able to fill in these city officials about the latest happenings at the University, while together we were able to brainstorm ways to build our relationship with local businesses and elected officials. This networking while supporting a great cause is why most of us like to golf at corporate outings.


Left, MWU Senior Development Officer Barb Wysocki talks with DG Mayor Ron Sandack.
Right, MWU Vice President & Chief Academic Officer Dennis Paulson, Ph.D., tees off.

So, while the saying, "a bad day of golf is better than a good day at the office," is mostly true, the MWU administration genuinely enjoys the opportunity to spend a day with our friends and supporters on the golf course. Dr. G along with many members of the administration played, while several academic deans and administrators joined us for lunch. Student leader (and guest blogger) Alan Shataji also came to lunch and helped us thank the sponsors for their financial support. The staff of the Development & Alumni Relations Office did an outstanding job of coordinating the details of the event and making all of the players feel welcome. All in all, it was another great event and a wonderful way to raise funds for our students. Thanks to all who participated.