COSAM News Articles 2018 September Auburn Alumni, Students and Community Members Tee Off at the 23rd Annual Dean’s Scholarship Golf Classic

Auburn Alumni, Students and Community Members Tee Off at the 23rd Annual Dean’s Scholarship Golf Classic

Published: 09/11/2018

By: Maria Gebhardt

On Friday, September 7, College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM) alumni and friends participated in the 23^rd Annual Dean’s Golf Scholarship Golf Classic held at the Grand National Robert Trent Jones Golf Course. Since its inception, the scholarship golf tournament has provided more than 65 COSAM students with scholarship support through generous donations.

“This golf classic is an opportunity to connect with a wide range of COSAM friends from graduates who are now practicing medical professionals to third- and fourth-generations of Auburn families that personally want to help our students continue to receive an excellent education,” explains Dean Nicholas Giordano.

The day’s program began with the recognition of the 2018 scholarship recipients, Madeline Farmer and MiKaela White. Farmer plans to become an obstetrician-gynecologist and help women through healthcare in rural or international areas. The timing of this scholarship was important to her. The patriarch of her family, her grandfather, had just passed away when she received the news.

White, who aspires to become a dermatologist, is excited to begin medical school next year and is grateful to be selected for this honor. She is originally from Riverdale, Georgia, and shared that this scholarship will help her stay on track to become a doctor.

Dr. David Hagan, a 1965 Auburn graduate, was the first COSAM Distinguished Alumnus and a perennial volunteer. “This golf tournament helps us to continue to showcase COSAM as a premier pre-professional program,” says Dr. Hagan.

Each team that participated in the tournament met the dean at the 18^th hole and had their group photo taken. This networking opportunity provided players with the chance to share stories about how COSAM has impacted them and to reminisce about favorite professors and AU experiences.

Throughout the day, the COSAM Leaders, a student ambassador group, welcomed guests and helped with the day’s operations.

Frank Ware and Hunter Terry from Auburn’s Southeastern Center of Robotics Education (SCORE) demonstrated 3D printing by creating ball markers with the Auburn University logo that were used at this tournament.

In addition to golf, the silent auction held inside the clubhouse provided an opportunity for guests to connect during the annual Sip-n-Shop. Items for bid included Auburn Azaleas, an event at the Donald E. Davis Arboretum, a clone of the original Toomer’s Oaks, artwork by COSAM staff members, handmade jewelry, vacation rentals, donations from local businesses and much more.

“We have had donors participate consistently in this golf classic for every single year for more than 20 years,” shared volunteer Danny Royal. “This shows how important the role of supporting COSAM students is to the entire community,” he added.

At the end of the day, tournament winners were recognized over dinner.

The 23^rd Annual Dean’s Scholarship Golf Classic was hosted by the COSAM Office of Development with generous support from sponsors including Craftmaster Printers, Inc.; Bob and Martha Dumas; East Alabama Ear, Nose and Throat; Phillips Family Dentistry - Jim Phillips, DMD; Pinnacle Cardiovascular Associates; Debbie Stanford ’79; Tip and Tipper Tipton – Wells Fargo Advisors – Atlanta and Montgomery; Dr. Barry Wilson; Wal-Mart Distribution Center – Opelika, AL; and Dr. Larry Wit and Family – in memory of Nancy Wit.

Event Partners included Dr. Art Merkle ’79 and Herb Martin ’79 for dinner; Lee Obstetrics and Gynecology for lunch; and Craftmaster Printers, Inc. for printing.