Prizes, Extra Activities for 4th Annual A&M International 'Dusty' Scholarship Golf Tournament

An especially skilled golfer at Texas A&M International University's Fourth Annual "Dusty" Scholarship Golf Tournament might drive home in one of three new cars, deposit $10,000 into his or her bank account or tell time with a new Rolex watch.

The prizes are just some of those being offered at this year's Tournament benefitting student scholarships scheduled April 9-10, 1999 at the Lake Casa Blanca Golf Course and Club House.

Organizers said this year's Tournament has generated considerable interest and much-welcome community and corporate support.

"We're very pleased with the support that has come from our community," said Tournament Executive Committee co-chairs Dr. Stephen Lunce, associate professor of information systems.

"Eighty percent of A&M International students receive financial aid to help make their higher education dreams a reality and support generated by this Scholarship Tournament will help those dreams come true," he noted.

This year's tournament will feature five separate skills contests with the winner of all five able to win the Skills Contest Grand Prize, a new 1999 Mustang from Sames Ford.

Also adding to interest in this year's tournament is an awards dinner, silent auction and a Texas A&M University System challenge, said Dr. Henry C. Smith, Tournament Executive Committee co-chair.

"We've planned a silent auction and an awards dinner and a special 'Dusty' Challenge to other Texas A&M University System institutions has been issued by A&M International Faculty Senate President Dr. Jeff Cass. Other A&M System campuses will vie for the first 'Dusty Trophy.' A&M International's four Colleges will also compete for the A&M International 'Dusty' College Challenge Trophy,' " Dr. Smith explained.

"We'll offer a three-person scramble with both morning and afternoon tee times. All entries will be handicapped and flighted to insure the event is enjoyable for golfers of all skill levels. Skills contests will include putting and chipping, among others, " Lunce explained.

"Early bird" discounted entry fees received prior to March 31 will be $125. Team entries are welcome.

Smith said student and university players including faculty and staff will participate in the event and are looking forward to joining with the community in competition.

"This has always been a fun event that brings together people from throughout this community, region and our neighbors to the South. Our university and students truly appreciate the support generated by the golfers and sponsors partnership of this Scholarship Tournament," he said

Partners in this year's Golf Tournament include:

Titanium Underwriter: Guerra Communications.

Graphite Sponsor: CPL, Doctors Hospital of Laredo.

Skills Contest Grand Prize Sponsor - 1999 Ford Mustang, Sames Automotive.

Hole-In-One Sponsors include: Powell Watson, 1999 Oldsmobile Allero; Paul Young Auto Mall, 1999 Malibu; Deutsch and Deutsch, a Rolex watch and Laredo BorderPlex Phone Book, $10,000.

Hole Sponsors include: Texas Mexican Railway, International Bank of Commerce, The Laredo National Bank, Golden Corral, NBC Bank Laredo, Follett College Stores, Aguirre Corporation and American Campus Communities.

Team Sponsors are: Sanchez Oil and Gas Corporation: A&M International Student Team; Mercy Health Systems of Texas: A&M International Student Team; South Texas Chiropractic: A&M International Student Team, Commerce Bank: A&M International Student Team, and Pace Construction: A&M International Student Team.

Beverage Cart Sponsors for the Tournament are Neel Title Corporation and Quality Air Conditioning and Heating.

Golf Cart Sponsors for the event are: JBL Group Inc., Arguindegui Oil Company, Tacolare Restaurant, SYSCO Food Services and JAMCO International.

In addition to the 288 openings for tournament play, several levels of underwriting, sponsorship or direct student support are still available.

For additional information on entry, supporting or volunteering to assist with the Fourth Annual 'Dusty' Scholarship Golf Tournament, please contact Smith or Lunce at 326.2507 or 326.2502 respectively, or the Office of Institutional Advancement at 326.2175.

University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu