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Above, left to right: Avie Bennett, Guy Burry, Marshall Cohen, Lorna R. Marsden and John Lennox
This years's Tribute Communities - York University Chair’s Cup Golf Tournament was a resounding success as a fundraiser for graduate student scholarships.
Carrie Brodi, communications officer with the York University Foundation, sent the following account to YFile.
An enthusiastic group of golfers and York supporters kicked off the annual Tribute Communities - York University Chair’s Cup Golf Tournament at Wooden Sticks golf course in Uxbridge, Ontario.
Marshall Cohen (right, with wife Judith Cohen), Chair of the York University Board of Governors, suggested the idea of a tournament three years ago with the intention of holding a high-quality "friend-raising" event. In addition to being a memorable "friend-raiser," the tournament has also become a highly successful fundraiser.
The sold-out event, organized by the York University Foundation, was sponsored by 33 local businesses and raised over $333,000 for graduate student scholarships at York - a dramatic increase over last year’s significant fundraising achievement of $200,000 with 11 sponsors. The cheque for this year’s amount was presented to John Lennox, dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies, who attended the dinner to personally thank tournament participants.
"This is a red letter day for York," said York Chancellor Avie Bennett at the evening reception, sporting one of the red York jackets provided to each of the 144 golfers.
York alumnus, member of York's Board of Governors and longtime York supporter Guy Burry, hosted the evening’s festivities, which included a prize ceremony. "Not only is the Chair’s Cup a fantastic day of golf that raises needed funds for graduate students at York," Burry said, "it’s also becoming a very popular York tradition."
Instrumental to the success of the day was Howard Sokolowski, CEO of Tribute Communities - the tournament’s new title sponsor. "I can’t tell you how many people have approached me to say what a sophisticated and well organized event this has been," said Sokolowski. "It’s one of the best tournaments I’ve ever attended."
York President and Vice-Chancellor Lorna R. Marsden introduced two exceptional student recipients of Ontario Graduate Scholarships, Gregory Klagus and Elke Winter (pictured together, left), both of whom attended the tournament dinner.
"Because of your support, our students are able to achieve exceptional results as teachers, researchers, scholars and corporate leaders, such as yourselves," Marsden said to the tournament participants. "We thank you for your investment in their future.".