7/31/02

AU'S ANNUAL COSAM GOLF TOURNEY TO FUND STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

AUBURN -- The eighth annual Auburn University College of Sciences and Mathematics Dean's Scholarship Golf Classic is scheduled for Sept. 27, at the Robert Trent Jones Grand National Trail course in Opelika.

The annual tournament raises money to benefit students in the College of Sciences and Mathematics.

Stewart Schneller, dean of the college, and three alumni who saw the need for additional scholarships within the college founded the annual fundraiser eight years ago.

"In 1994, we realized that the number of highly qualified high school seniors wishing to attend Auburn University and pursue degrees from the College of Sciences and Mathematics far exceeded the number of scholarships that would encourage those students to attend Auburn rather than another university in the region," Schneller said. "With the help of Auburn alums Danny Royal, Ed Wampold and David Hagan, an annual golf tournament was established."

"We look forward to enjoying a day of golf with fellow alumni and community sponsors while raising money to benefit our students," says Tammy Beck, the College of Sciences and Mathematics director of development, who is coordinating the event.

Through tournament supporters such as the title sponsor, East Alabama Medical Center, the college is able to attract and maintain high quality students, Schneller said.

"Due to the success of the tournament, we are now able to provide full scholarships to National Merit Finalists, Semifinalists and National Achievement Awardees. From this, the college saw, for example, greater than 50 percent of its students graduating with honors at the May commencement."

Summer Harding, a senior microbiology major, received a full scholarship through the fundraiser. She said the scholarship provides her with needed financial assistance as she works to complete her sciences and mathematics major and also begin classes in veterinary medicine in the fall.

"The scholarship is valuable to me because I will soon be entering vet school, and the expenses are beginning to add up," Harding said. "It is good to know that there are those who are happy to contribute to our education and appreciate our hard work."

Beck encourages those who would like to become a sponsor and help raise scholarship money to register since slots are limited. Sponsorships begin at $1,500, of which $1,060 is fully tax-deductible. All sponsorships include greens and cart fees for one foursome, lunch, complimentary beverages, and a gift pack, sleeve of balls, souvenir photo and dinner. Individual playing spots are available for $375 per person, with $265 considered tax-deductible.

Prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place, as well as "Closest to the Pin" and "Longest Drive" contests. All golfers will receive a souvenir golf shirt along with other giveaways.

"The fundraiser is a very worthwhile cause and a great way to make a charitable donation,"said previous participant Dr. Joel Pittard. "It is also one of the best tournaments that I have played in because of the fellowship and prizes. Even if you don't win, you still receive lots of great gifts. Overall, it is just a wonderful event that is worth taking off work to attend."

The event will begin at 10 a.m. with a putting contest followed by lunch, a shotgun start Fort Lauderdale Scramble at 12:30 p.m. and concluding with dinner.

In addition to providing financial assistance to the college's students, sponsors will also have the opportunity to play the Robert Trent Jones Grand National Trail course that has been host to such notable events as the 1997 Nike Tour Championship, 1998 LPGA Tournament of Champions and the 2000 NCAA Men's Division I Golf Championship.

For more information about participating in the fundraiser, contact Beck at 334/844-1449 or via e-mail at beck@alumni.auburn.edu.

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jul02:AU-cosamgolf

CONTACT: Beck, 334/844-1449 .