The sixth annual Western New Mexico University Alumni Scholarship Golf Tournament is set for Saturday, October 14, and several golfers who regularly play in the benefit shared their thoughts on why it is a fun way to give back to WNMU.
WNMU Assistant Professor of Marketing Chip Campbell, alum and local business owner Mike Rowse, and Alex Brown with the Town of Silver City have each golfed in the Alumni Scholarship Golf Tournament a few times. All agree that they traditionally not only have success but also have a good time that day on the course.
Campbell, a former teaching pro and member of the USGA, has participated in WNMU Alumni golf events hosted by both Las Cruces’ Mesilla Valley Chapter and the Silver City Chapter. “There are few sporting events I have appreciated as much over the years as team golf scrambles. From a players’ perspective, individuals get to enjoy playing golf and socializing with old friends and new acquaintances, but do not have to be ‘good’ at the game to have a great time. On top of that, everyone involved in the event — players, volunteers and course staff—is there to support an organization that is near and dear to their hearts. This is especially true for the WNMU Alumni Golf Tournament in Silver City,” he said.
Rouse (’87) typically teams up with alumni Woody Wood, John Stockham and Al Cabrera for the event. “Woody played basketball here in the eighties, and John, Al and I played on Western’s golf team together around the same time. Getting together with old friends, especially with a little competition thrown in, is a great way to give back,” he said.
Every year the Town of Silver City puts together a team, headed up by Town Manager Brown (’96). “It’s a really great thing to help with scholarships, plus I get to see people from back in the days of school as well as see our community members,” he said.
Brown thinks it’s important to participate in the WNMU Alumni Golf Tournament because WNMU plays a major role in Silver City. “It’s not just a place. Especially now under Dr. Shepard, the students and staff have become more involved in the community as a whole, which I think is a huge benefit to the town as well as the University,” he said. “In this building, the Town has five Western graduates. We want to keep as many people here as we can.”
While Town employees and alumni join forces on the team annually, Brown invited out-of-town guests to join him on the golf course this year. “We go to have fun. It’s not all about winning,” he said. “Plus, it’s for a good cause.”
Shotgun start time is 8:30 a.m. at the University Golf Course at Scott Park.
Interested golfers can register for $125 individually or as a foursome at $400. Fees include greens, tee prize, golf car, range balls, refreshments, complimentary breakfast, and the awards luncheon. Proceeds go toward funding student scholarships and assisting students with campus jobs.
To register for the event, contact 575-538-6675 or visit alumni.wnmu.edu.