Golf scholars express thanks to tournament participants

Capitol seniors Amanda Raab and Bryant Rogers II, recipients of the 2016-17 Golf Scholarship, thanked participants Friday (October 28) at the university’s annual golf tournament, drawing attention to the opportunities opened up for them as a result of attending Capitol.

“I’m originally from a little town called Perkasie in Pennsylvania, and my family has been involved in the artesian well drilling trade for three generations. I’m the first one in my family to go to college,” Raab said. “It was a big financial decision for us, and we were nervous at first – but after the first one or two years at Capitol we realized that the opportunities I was receiving I would not get anywhere else.”

Raab, who is double-majoring in Astronautical Engineering and Computer Science at Capitol while interning at NASA-Goddard as part of a satellite mission, said scholarship assistance has been a game-changer.

“All the scholarships that are available to students at Capitol really make a huge impact on students’ lives – not only theirs but their families’ lives as well,” Raab said.

Rogers, a computer engineering senior, also spoke of opportunities arising from a Capitol education. “I have three company offers so far and am currently narrowing down my choices,” he told the tournament participants. “I’m very grateful for what you have done for me.”

While school can be stressful, Rogers says, he feels motivated to "keep striving, because that's who I am. The stress, the struggles and hardship are worth it when you finally reach that dream job."

The students’ comments came at the end of a brisk golf outing which saw 13 teams competing at the Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City, MD. Held every year in the autumn, the event raises proceeds that then go towards scholarships awarded to students.

The tournament winners this year were the foursome of Haden Land, Larry Letow, Dave Olson and Ryan Worch. Second place went to Jason Dunbar, Greg Hustead, Colin McGee and Matt Pfouts.

Capitol president Dr. Michael Wood and his teammates Rick Todd and Dwight Yoder finished in third, while the foursome of Fred Hesser, Page Hesser, Jeff Rhyne and Melinda Bunnell-Rhyne came in fourth.

Page Hesser scored the ladies’ longest drive and the ladies’ closest to the pin awards. Among the men, the longest drive went to Dwight Yoder, while Chris Thomas scored closest to the pin.

For a photo gallery of the 2016 tournament, click here.