Hodges University – TO HOST 2016 SCHOLARSHIP GALA AND SPRING GOLF CLASSIC

PHIL MEMOLI, VICE PRESIDENT OF UNIVERSITY ADVANCEMENT; MARIE AND DALE MULLIN, FOUNDER OF CHARITY GOLF FOR WOUNDED WARRIORS; AND DR. DAVID BOROFSKY, PRESIDENT OF HODGES UNIVERSITY

As they say in New Orleans, “Laissez les bons temps rouler,” or “Let the good times roll” and prepare to join Hodges University for its New Orleans Jazz-themed 2016 Scholarship Gala and Spring Golf Classic on Friday and Saturday, April 8-9, 2016, at The
Club at Grandezza, 11481 Grande Oaks Blvd. in Estero.

Serving as this year’s Scholarship Gala presenting sponsor is LeeSar. Beginning Friday evening at 6:00 p.m., guests will be greeted by a jazz ensemble, stilt walkers, mimes, gourmet cuisine and specially selected premium boutique wines. In addition, silent and live auction items including vacations and gourmet dinners will be available for interested bidders.

On Saturday, April 9, guests will prepare to tee off at the Spring Golf Classic. Val Ward Cadillac will serve as the event’s presenting sponsor, and Danny Pate, vice president of operations at CenturyLink, will serve as honorary chair.

Registration and breakfast will begin at 7:30 a.m. with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. Entry into the golf tournament includes green fee, cart, player breakfast, player gift and seating at the tournament awards luncheon, which will be held at the end of play.

Participants will also be eligible to win various prizes throughout the day.

“The Scholarship Gala and Spring Golf Classic is one of the most highly anticipated charity events in Southwest Florida,” said Phil Memoli, Hodges’ Vice President of university advancement. “The net proceeds from the event will benefit The Men in Higher Education Scholarship Fund and the Scholarship Assistance for Veterans Education Fund (SAVE).”

The first Men in Higher Education Scholarship was awarded in the summer 2014 term. Since that time, 47 students have received a total of $54,000 toward their college education. Currently, 35 percent of Hodges University students are male, and with the help of the scholarship, they are able to continue their education for the betterment of their families and themselves. In order to qualify for the scholarship, students must have a 2.0 GPA and demonstrated financial need.

“The scholarship is awarded to male students who meet the criteria,” said Dr. Marcia Turner, dean of students at Hodges.

TIM HALL, HODGES’ DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT; DR. DAVID BOROFSKY, PRESIDENT OF HODGES UNIVERSITY; DAVID DAYTON AND BRIAN MCALOON.

“It is a privilege for the Department of University Advancement to be involved in the organization of this great event for 13 years with so many wonderful donors and supporters. Most importantly, the Scholarship Gala and Spring Golf Classic has raised more
than $500,000 in scholarship support for hundreds of Hodges University students who are deserving and in need of financial assistance, as well as our Veteran students” said Memoli.

Currently, Hodges’ Dr. Peter Thomas Veterans Services Center assists 222 students consisting of Veterans and dependents.

According to Christine Manson, director of Hodges’ VSC, 21 percent of Veteran students are not receiving any VA educational benefits, 13 percent receive VA educational benefits less than 100 percent, and 66 percent receive VA educational benefits covering 100 percent of tuition. Out of 222 students, 144 are receiving Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

On January 21, representatives from Charity Golf for Wounded Warriors presented Hodges University with a check for $25,000 to benefit the university’s Veteran scholarship program.

“I believe in helping to fund education. I attended school on the GI Bill, and I want to help Veterans who are returning to school  to pursue an education,” said Dale Mullin, founder of Charity Golf for Wounded Warriors and Vietnam Veteran.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Interested individuals may sponsor either the Scholarship Gala or Spring Golf Classic. Combined event sponsorships are also available and include one golf foursome and a table for eight at the Scholarship Gala.

For more information on reservations and sponsorship opportunities, call April May at 239.598.6153 or email amay@hodges.edu.