Capitol Technology University held its annual scholarship golf tournament on Friday (October 23) at the Turf Valley resort in Ellicott City, Maryland. Originally set for October 3, the event was postponed due to inclement weather.
On the rescheduled date, the weather couldn’t have been better. Golfers had the opportunity to take in the peak fall colors amid the rolling hills of central Maryland, while showcasing their skills on the course and sharing good times with colleagues and friends.
First place went to the foursome of Randy Benn, Ed Murphy, Bill Pommerening, and Capitol president Dr. Michael Wood. Next up were Scott Bartholomew, Chris Werner, Tony Gostomski and Greg Sweeney. Third place went to Melinda Bunnell-Rhyne, Jeff Rhyne, Fred Hesser and Page Hesser. An honorable mention was awarded to Yolanda Alexander, Gwen Gilbert, Kyle Stokes and Meilani Toms.
Jeff Rhyne scored the men’s longest drive; the women’s was by Meilani Toms.
In all, fourteen teams and 52 players attended – down from the original count, as some participants couldn’t make the new date. Nevertheless, the tournament grossed over $25,000. This year’s Golf Scholars are seniors Patrick Allen and Zachary Richard, both of whom expressed their gratitude and thanks during the post-tournament luncheon.
“I am greatly honored to have received this scholarship, from everyone here. Your generosity and the support of everyone at Capitol has helped me finish my degree and keep pushing forward to get a better education,” said Allen, a cybersecurity student and Cyber Battle Lab team member who has competed in several Maryland state tournaments, while also serving as secretary for the university’s Cyber Operations Club.
Richards, a computer engineering student, completed an internship with Motorola over the summer and is currently continuing to work with the firm through a co-op. He has also held a variety of on-campus jobs to help finance his education. The Golf Scholarship, he noted, will help clear up more time during his senior year to focus on academics.
“It’s because of you guys and because of the scholarship that I can finish out this year and graduate and I’m very thankful. Hopefully you can keep supporting the annual scholarship, and also enjoy the golf.”
Leah Caputo, assistant director of development, organized the tournament together with Vice President for Advancement Dr. Donna Thomas. “It turned out to be a wonderful event despite the disruption of having to reschedule,” Caputo said. “The enthusiasm and sense of camaraderie among our golfers made it a really special occasion.”
“What I love most about the golf outing is that it’s a fun time in service of a great cause. It makes a measurable difference in the lives of our scholarship recipients. Capitol is all about opening up opportunities for students, through the kinds of programs we offer and through our partnerships with employers and organizations. The Golf Scholarship is also an opportunity that we can provide, thanks to the generosity of our tournament participants,” Caputo said.
Capitol’s president, Dr. Wood, delivered remarks at the luncheon, thanking the sponsors and donors. He also highlighted the purpose of the yearly tournament.
“It’s about two things – raising money for our students and getting our friends and colleagues together to enjoy an event outdoors and with each other,” Wood said. "And those who like the competition get to compete too!"
For a photo gallery of the 2015 tournament, click here.