The Grambling University National Alumni Association is holding the 9th Annual Scholarship Golf Classic Homecoming weekend. The classic will begin at 8 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 23 at Trails End Golf Course in Arcadia. All proceeds will provide scholarships for Grambling State University students.
The tournament has been renamed the Fred D. Hearn, Jr. Memorial Scholarship Golf Classic, in honor of the tournament’s founder, Fred Hearn, Jr., who passed away on March 2. Hearn was a 1965 graduate of Grambling who gave his time, money and expertise to create the golf tournament to raise money for student scholarships at Grambling. A short memorial and renaming ceremony will be held at 8:45 a.m.
Hearn graduated from GSU in 1965 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Arts in 1965. He moved to Chicago and worked as an industrial arts teacher with Chicago Public Schools for 35 years. He also earned three master’s degrees in urban teacher education, psychology and education from Governor’s State University.
Hearn was a true Gramblinite who was heavily involved in religious, community, civic, and alumni activities. He was one of the founding members of the Windy City Alumni Chapter. He served as chapter president from 1981-1986 and business manager from 1986 until his death. Hearn served as chairperson of the National Alumni Conventions held in Chicago in 1992 and 2007 and as a delegate at national conventions from 1970-2011.
“He started the golf tournament as a way to give financial aid and scholarships to GSU students, to network and build relationships that would generate monetary contributions for the university, and to give alumni and Grambling friends an additional Homecoming activity with his favorite pastime, golfing,” said Golf Classic Event Planner Bobbie Williams.
The winners of five special contests (Most Accurate Drive, Closest to the Pin on All Par 3, Putting Contest, Golfer Who Traveled the Longest Distance and First Golfer to Enter) will each receive a trophy. You may sponsor one of these special contests for $300. Sponsor names will be listed on golf sponsor signs and mentioned at the awards presentation and the GUNAA 2016 National Convention.
Pre-registration for the tournament is $90 per person and includes a golf cart, green fee, food and beverages. Forms may be picked up at the GSU Alumni House, requested via email at bobbidear@aol.com or found online.
Forms should be mailed to GUNAA/Golf Classic, P.O. Drawer 565, Grambling, LA 71245. Pre-registration forms must be received by Oct. 12. On-site registration is $95. Registration begins at 8 a.m., and tee time is 9 a.m.
If you would like to donate to the golf classic, a variety of tournament sponsorships are available ranging from $300-$7,500, although any donation amount is appreciated. For more information, contact Bobbie Williams at 409-363-3326 or bobbidear@aol.com.