Columbus Golf Outing Raises $12,000

Golfers are rarely satisfied. We want to hit the ball a little straighter, a little longer, or a lot closer to the pin. We always come away thinking, "If only I could have..." Well, on Monday, June 27, for one afternoon, we had it all … All the golf, all the Cincinnati, and all the UC we could ask for!

On that day, 80+ UC alumni and friends participated in the third annual Central Ohio Regional Alumni Network Golf Outing at Riviera Golf Club in Dublin and “got it all,” no matter what our scorecards showed. How else can you describe the opportunity to spend a beautiful day on the golf course enjoying old and new UC friends, meeting some Bearcat athletics VIPs, and supporting student scholarships in the process?

The Columbus-area Bearcats got acquainted with UC football coach Butch Jones and women’s basketball coach Jamelle Elliott, as well as former Bearcat basketball greats Tony Yates, Roland West and George Wilson, plus former Pittsburgh Steelers Pro Bowl offensive lineman John Jackson (a Cincinnati native).

The event was sponsored by Kroger and food was provided by Skyline Chili, Montgomery Inn and Graeter’s. That’s right — it was like Taste of Cincinnati!

The day included both silent and live auctions, a raffle and door prizes galore as everyone went home a winner!

Most importantly, the event raised about $12,000, which was split between UCATS and the Central Ohio Regional Alumni Network Scholarship fund, which helps incoming UC freshmen from the Columbus area.

Thanks to all who attended and contributed, including my fellow Columbus Regional Committee members Scott Simmers, Chet Chaney, Dave Tenwick, Mark Inzetta and Bob Mayer. Special thanks to Scott, who is quickly becoming known as Mr. Bearcat Golf, for all of his hard work!

Looking ahead, we’re preparing for our annual Summer Sendoff event in late August, hosted by Ashland Inc.; each of the last two years we’ve drawn about 125 freshmen-to-be and their families. And of course the regional alumni network will be organizing game-watches as the Bearcats kick off their 2011 football season.

Chris A. Pore, College of Engineering ’77