Student Benefits from Dusty Golf Tournament, Realizes Higher Ed Dreams

Astrid Hinojosa may never meet the person who helped change her life. That person joined friends for a game of golf last year that helped to generate funds for the scholarship, which is enabling Astrid to complete her undergraduate degree in Social Work at Texas A&M International University.

"I'm very grateful to those who help to support student scholarships here by participating in the University's Golf Tournament. Thanks to my scholarship, my education in Social Work is expanding my horizons and preparing me for my career," said the 22-year-old senior.

In the seven years the Dusty Golf Tournament has been underway, over 300 students like Astrid have seen golf strokes help them to spell success, said Michelle A. Alexander, vice president for institutional advancement.

"It's inspiring to know that the annual Dusty Golf Tournament is helping to make a difference in the lives of our students. Over 57% of our students depend on financial assistance to complete their education. The Tournament is a terrific way for our partners, alumni and community to give back to the University and help further the educational dreams and career aspirations of today's students," she said.

This year's tournament will be held Friday and Saturday, April 26-27 at the Lake Casa Blanca Golf Course. "Early bird" entry fee is $125 per player if received before April 12 and $150 after April 12. Team entry "early bird" fee is $375 prior to April 12 and $450 after April 12. Entry fee includes golf cart and green fees, gift pack with golf shirt, cap and golfing accessories and breakfast, lunch and dinner at the Awards Banquet.

Format for the Tournament is a three-person scramble with two tee-off times, 7 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 27. On Friday, April 26, from 5-9:30 p.m., golfers, friends, event sponsors and organizers will enjoy a reception and silent auction as well as a variety of skill contests.

Contests will include putting, chipping, sandbunker, wedge and approach shot contests. In addition to receiving a special golfing prize suitable for each contest, contest winners are entered into a drawing for one shot at a $1 million prize. Tournament Director Dr. Stephen Lunce, College of Business Administration professor of information systems, said the skills contest could pay off big.

"Should someone win all five skills contests, they will drive away with a new car, and they will have the shot at a $1,000,000 hole-in-one," said Dr. Lunce, who is serving his fourth year as tournament director.

He noted this year's Tournament offers golfers and non-golfers alike a chance to enjoy the Tournament and support student scholarships.

"One highlight of this year's Tournament is a chance for the most skilled putters to participate in a putting contest for $50,000 sponsored by Wright and Associates GMAC Real Estate. The winners share $25,000 in cash and will have a donation made in their name in the amount of $25,000 to the University's Scholarship Fund. Non-golfers will also enjoy our Friday night silent auction where we will feature great prizes," he explained.

Current hole in one prizes or skills contest sponsors include:

Deutsch & Deutsch, Rolex watch; airlines tickets to anywhere in continental U.S.; Sony camcorder, Calloway Irons, Paul Young AutoMall; Powell Watson, 2002 GMC Yukon; Sames Automotive, Grand Prize Skills Contest Sponsor; and Wright and Associates GMAC Real Estate, $1,000,000 hole-in-one-shot.

Silent auction items include works by artists Janet Krueger, Nina Peña, Maru Portillo, Mary Quiroz, Robin Roberts and Armando Hinojosa; designer jewelry, restaurant certificates, yoga lessons, car detailing work, a gas grill and a variety of gift certificates from local merchants, two round trip tickets to Mexico City and more.

Golfers seeking information about rules or contests can contact Lunce at 326.2502 or email slunce@tamiu.edu.

Other businesses, organizations or individuals interested in supporting or participating in the tournament are urged to contact Silvia Jones at 326.2168 or email jones@tamiu.edu.

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