WGA Evans Scholars - Western Golf Association

The 

WGA Evans Scholars 

Magazine 

WGA Directors, TOUR Stars 

Luke Donald, Mark Wilson 

New Scholar 

Class of 2011 

Recognizing 

30 Years 

of Co-ed Living 

SUMMER 2011

THISissue 

Summer 2011 

Newsletter No. 141 

The 


Magazine 

A publication of the 

Western Golf Association, 

Evans Scholars Foundation and 

Evans Scholars Alumni Association 

To change your address 

info@wgaesf.com or 

(847) 724-4600 

to submit content 

Send story ideas, letters, pictures, 

event wrap-ups and more to 

alumni@wgaesf.com, 

or mail to: 

Western Golf Association, 

One Briar Road, Golf, IL, 60029 

Chairman 

Roger Mohr 

President and CEO 

John Kaczkowski 

Editorial Staff 

Editor 

Amy Boerema Fuller 

Editorial Assistant 

Nicole Thompson 

Vice President 

of Communications 

Gary Holaway 

Cover 

Co-educational living in 2011. 

Clockwise, from left: Evans 

Scholars Katie Johnson, Dev Patel, 

Luke Mehmeti, Diamond Greer and 

Kelly Nash. 

Photo by Charles Cherney 

cover story 

12 

features 

2 

Caddies to college 

The 2011 New Scholar class 

8 

24 

profiles 

22 

23 

27 

28 

Co-educational living 

Celebrating 30 years in the 

Evans Scholars Program 

A driving force 

A big year for WGA Directors 

Mark Wilson and Luke Donald 

A helping hand 

New Auxiliary Bishop Joe Binzer 

Club profile 

North Shore Country Club 

New Scholar profile 

Alfonso Gillette 

Alumni profile 

NBA referee Pat Fraher 

Alumni profile 

Special agent Jeff Kiser 

news and notes 

6 

10 

16 

20 

other 

18 

29 

Caddies 

Victoria Golf Club, Caddie 

Manager spotlight, Hall of Fame 

Tournaments 

New partnership, tournament 

sites, event previews 

Scholarships 

BMW intern, Winter Outing 

recap, Scholar graduates 

Fundraising 

Match Play Challenge, Green 

Coat Gala, Named Scholars 

Preview 

2011 BMW Championship 

Mac Report 

Alumni news, Around the Loop 

Class Notes

sharing our story 

In recent years, it has become more important than ever to share the story of the 

Western Golf Association and Evans Scholars Foundation. To that end, we present the 

newly named WGA Evans Scholars Magazine, formerly known as The Mac Report. Our 

Alumni-specific news and class notes continue to be included for Alumni in a section 

titled The Mac Report beginning on page 29. 

Our focus hasn’t changed — the magazine still includes organization news, as 

well as profiles on Evans Scholars Alumni. But our audience has. This twice-a-year 

magazine is now being sent not just to Alumni, but to all our supporters. 

And of course, our mission remains the same: Changing the course of a lifetime, one 

caddie at a time. People have called our program “the best-kept secret.” It’s about time 

we share it with everyone.

caddies 

to college 

this is what it’s al 

2 The WGA Evans Scholars Magazine

Bob Rakow prepares to face the crowd at his Feb. 15 selection meeting. He will 

study business at Marquette University this fall. “This was my dream,” he says. 

an Evans Scholars selection meeting 

His one shot 

Bob Rakow had one thing on his mind the night of 

February 15. A finalist for the Evans Scholarship, 

the Beverly caddie knew that tomorrow — when he 

would face a press-conference style interview — was 

a make-it-or-break-it type of day. 

It would either be the day Rakow, a senior at St. Rita 

of Cascia High School, would impress “the green 

coats” — aka the WGA Directors — at his selection 

meeting, and earn a shot at winning a four-year ride 

to college. Or it would be the day he wouldn’t. 

“I was anxious and nervous,” he recalls. “I was 

planning answers in my head.” 

One of 12 candidates interviewed at the WGA 

selection meeting at The Beverly Country Club the 

next day, Rakow learned he would face questions 

from about 100 people. He pursed his lips. His palms 

began to sweat. His heart started to race. 

“I was definitely nervous when I had to shake hands 

with the people on stage,” he said. “My knees were 

shaking.” 

Once at the podium, he recognized a few faces and 

began to relax. Someone asked about his lowest golf 

score — an easy question. He focused on enunciating 

his words. He even managed a few jokes — and 

people laughed. 

A few days later, his dad texted him. The letter 

had come. He raced home from school, opened 

it — and breathed the ultimate sigh of relief. 

“Congratulations!” it read. 

“This was something I had been working so hard on,” 

says Rakow, who will attend Marquette University. “It 

means so much to my family. It was my dream.” 

l about 

Summer 2011 

3

caddies 

to college 

About this year’s 

Evans Scholar winners: 

The 210 young caddies 

who will begin college 

this fall are aspiring 

teachers, doctors and 

business leaders. They 

include first-generation 

immigrants; some are 

the only ones in their 

families who will have 

gone to college. They 

have overcome financial 

hardships and family 

struggles. Now on the 

verge of leaving home 

for the first time, they 

are about to discover 

who they are, as college 

students and as young 

adults. They are the Evans 

Scholars class of 2011. 

Profile of the typical recipient: 

The typical Evans Scholar winner in 2011 has caddied for 

four years with a total 175 loops. He or she has an a 3.7 

GPA, a 27 ACT score and a family income of $58,000. 

Thirteen states are represented in this year’s class, with 

one winner from Canada. The Beverly Country Club in 

Chicago has six new Scholars, the most of any club. 

*These numbers represent the averages of all applicants, who are evaluated and 

compete on four criteria, including caddie record, academics, financial need and character 

and leadership, for the limited number of available Evans Scholarships. 

For a full list of New Scholars, visit www.wgaesf.org 

680 

applicants for the Evans 

Scholarship in 2011 


high school spotlight 

66 

Evans Scholars from 

St. Patrick High 

School since 1957 

St. Patrick High School 

Chicago 

St. Patrick High School in 2011 had the largest 

number of Evans Scholars from any high school 

in the nation. 

Incoming university freshmen include Justin 

Cruz (Northwestern), David Dinkha (Northern 

Illinois), Kevin Lawnicki (Northern Illinois), Chris 

Mojek (Marquette) and Joe Netzel (Northern 

Illinois), pictured left with Principal Joe Schmidt. 

There are 75 students at the school who caddie 

at one of four nearby courses: Ridgemoor, Park 

Ridge, Oak Park and Bryn Mawr. 

“I am so proud of our students. They are such a positive symbol to our 

75 student caddies who look forward to having an opportunity to apply 

for this prestigious scholarship.” 

St. Patrick High School Principal and WGA Director Joe Schmidt 

4 

Sets 

of twins in the New Scholar 

class of 2011. Here’s a look at one: 

Dylan Lyons never cared too much for golf. 

Neither did his brother, Tyler. Then in 2006, 

Tyler threw on a caddie bib at Ozaukee 

Country Club in Wisconsin and picked up 

his first golf bag. So did Dylan, and he fell 

in love with caddying and golf. So did Tyler. 

Then Tyler earned an Evans Scholarship. 

So did Dylan. 

Tyler and Dylan are identical, but they weren’t just born that way – they 

live it each and every day. “They do everything together,” said former 

Ozaukee golf pro Rich Tock. They played on their school’s golf team, 

edited the yearbook, volunteered for the same causes, ran a caddie 

mentoring program, and, when times got tough for their family, they 

stayed positive – together. This fall, they’ll pursue business degrees at 

the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, together as Evans Scholars. 

“My identical twin brother and I have shared many experiences 

together as caddies,” Dylan said. “Little did we know that what was 

born out of financial need would instill in us a desire to develop a 

strong work ethic, and a love for the game of golf.” 

Dreaming to inspire 

“Nothing is given to you. You have 

to work for it.”Jackie Fernandez’s 

parents told her this daily. The 

daughter of immigrants, she took full 

advantage of her parent’s dreams for 

a better life, earning a scholarship 

to Loyola Academy. She’ll study 

business at Marquette. 

“Through caddying, I see lawyers, businessmen and 

doctors who have succeeded. One golfer I admire 

constantly insisted I do well in school and challenge 

myself. I hope one day I’ll be the one on the golf course 

inspiring young caddies, just as she did for me.” 

Applications available soon online! 

Evans Scholarship applications for the 2012-13 school year 

will be available online after Aug. 1 at www.wgaesf.org. The 

sponsoring club will provide the password and instructions. 

15 

WGA selection meetings held around the country for 

2011 applicants, including one at the headquarters 

of The Northern Trust Company in Chicago. 

Summer 2011 

5

caddies 

news & notes 

Alex Adams will attend the University of Colorado this fall. 

golf club 

spotlight 

Four years after reviving 

its caddie program, 

Victoria Golf Club in 

British Columbia has its 

first Evans Scholar. 

Lyle Stafford, The Times-Colonist 

It was a daunting task, to reinstitute caddies at a club 

whose members were addicted to golf carts, WGA 

Director Berne Neufeld quickly discovered. 

Some members at Canada’s 

Victoria Golf Club immediately 

supported the idea of returning 

to using caddies — who had 

been driven out by golf carts in 

the 1970s — while it took others 

longer to embrace the tradition 

and appreciate its value. “Now 

it’s a resounding success,” said Neufeld, who was 

tasked with helping to develop the caddie program. 

“The members have become mentors for the caddies, 

and they take a keen interest in them.” 

And now, four years after their initial plan began, 

the club has its first Evans Scholar: Alex Adams will 

attend the University of Colorado this fall and study 

4 

Victoria 

“Having our first Evans Scholar 

has helped the members 

understand what it’s all about.” 

engineering. “Now that we have our first Evans 

Scholar, it’s really brought it full circle,” Neufeld said. 

“The members are like, ‘A-ha! That’s what it’s all 

about!’” 

The excitement was contagious. 

After Adams earned the 

Scholarship, members 

congratulated him with a new 

laptop. They’re now focused 

on keeping the caddie program 

strong, with some members even 

starting a fund to help cover discretionary expenses for 

caddies. 

-WGA Director Berne Neufeld 

clubs with their first Evans Scholar in 2011: 

Kemper Lakes GC 

Kildeer, IL 

Joey Greco 

University of Colorado 

GC 

Victoria, BC, Canada 

Alex Adams 

University of Colorado 

Meanwhile, they’re spreading the word about the 

Evans Program to other clubs across Canada — one 

club already has started a caddie program, and others 

are looking into it. “Having our first Evans Scholar,” 

Neufeld said, “shows them that this is real.” 

Tippecanoe Lake CC 

Leesburg, IN 

Scott Smyth 

Purdue University 

The Golf Club 

New Albany, OH 

Sam Lambert 

Ohio State University 

8 

Bill 

celebrities who 

once caddied 

Arnold Palmer 

Bing Crosby 

Bill Clinton John Madden 

Bob Hope 

Murray 

Don Shula Martin Sheen Source: CaddyDigest 


Gold star caddies 

The WGA will honor the nation’s 

top caddies through The Caddie 

Hall of Fame, an effort begun by the 

Professional Caddies Association. 

The Hall of Fame will highlight the tradition of caddying 

by recognizing junior caddies, caddie administrators and 

career caddies — those who used caddying as a stepping 

stone for success or whose involvement as a caddie or 

with caddies 

has positively 

impacted others. 

The Caddie 

Hall of Fame 

display will be 

located at WGA 

headquarters 

in Golf, Illinois, 

with a customized exhibit highlighting the names of all 

inductees. The Hall of Fame committee consists of WGA 

Directors and staff and PCA leaders. 

Caddie manager spotlight 

Q. What’s the best part of what you do 

A. Mentoring the kids and getting to watch them grow — from 

when I get them at age 13 to when they go to college. I love 

working with the kids, watching them mature and get better at 

everything they do. 

Q. What’s the most challenging part of what you do 

A. Dealing with the kids’ personalities, understanding who 

each one is and what they’re thinking. It can be challenging 

trying to get them to be the best they can be, but I see that as 

an important part of my job. I continuously try to build them up. 

Q. Anything funny ever happen during caddie training 

A. Years ago, during a caddie orientation, I’m coming up to 

a ball I hit in the rough, and a kid gives me a putter. He says 

I’m on the green, so I should use a putter. He thought that 

everything green was the green! I thought that was cute. 

Q. What do you do in your spare time 

A. I have no spare time in the summer! Now I’m close to 

retirement age; when I retire, I want to travel — England, Paris 

and Rome are on the checklist. 

250 

After his company dissolved in 1984, Walter 

Kowalczyk thought, “Where can I go where I 

won’t get dirty or have to work year-round” The 

former caddie and machinist eventually arrived 

at Hinsdale Golf Club, where he has now been a 

caddie manager for nearly two decades. 

caddies in 2011 at Hinsdale, which had an increase 

of 40 percent more caddies than usual in 2010. 

WGA-member clubs with 

large caddie programs 

350 

325 

240 

Medinah 

Country Club 

Medinah, Illinois 

Olympia Fields 

Country Club 

Olympia Fields, Illinois 

Bandon Dunes 

Golf Club 

Bandon, Oregon 

Estimated number of regular loopers in 2011, according 

to caddie managers 

Walk it off! 

The Evans Scholars Foundation was honored 

with the “2010 Walking Golfer of the Year” 

award for its commitment to the walking 

game of golf, as chosen by The Walking 

Golfers Society. The organization was founded 

in 2009 to promote the benefits of walking 

while playing golf. It has more than 500 

members across the U.S. and the world. Visit 

www.thewalkinggolfer.com for information. 

“We thank the Evans Scholars 

Foundation for encouraging our 

next generation of leaders to 

embrace golf as a walking game.” 

-Rob Rigg, founder of The Walking Golfers Society 

7

“I have seen the benefits of the Evans 

Scholars Foundation. I love what they do 

and the opportunities they provide.” 

PGA TOUR 

Getty Images 

A driving 

force 

Luke Donald 

No. 1 world ranking 

FedExCup Ranking: 4 

PGA TOUR victories: 3, including the 2011 World Golf 

Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship (pictured) 

International victories: 5, including the 2011 BMW PGA 

Championship 

Currently resides: Northfield, Ill. 

Interests: Art, music, wine-making 

On his caddie’s most important role: 

“I need to be able to rely on and trust him. A caddie must speak 

up when he thinks the player is doing something wrong.” 

On becoming a WGA Director: 

“Being based in Chicago for the last 14 years, I have seen the 

benefits of the Evans Scholars Foundation. I love what they do 

and the opportunities they provide.” 

On sending caddies to college: 

“I enjoy being part of anything golf-based. Through caddying, 

you can learn many life lessons. Everyone deserves a chance to 

go to college, and this particular scholarship combines golf and 

education, which is fantastic.” 


Mark Wilson 

FedExCup Ranking: 6 

PGA TOUR victories: 4, including the 2011 Sony Open in 

Hawaii (pictured) 

Currently resides: Elmhurst, Ill. 

Interests: Spending time with family, watching The Office 

On his caddie’s most important role: 

“To keep me focused when needed and relaxed when I’m 

not hitting a shot.” 

On the course, Mark Wilson and Luke Donald are 

having top seasons thanks to big wins in recent 

tournaments. Off the course, the two are WGA 

Directors who play a special role in helping to 

promote the Evans Scholars Foundation. 

On becoming a WGA Director: 

“My wife and I wanted to support Evans Scholars for a 

long time, and being a Director gives me the opportunity 

to meet many deserving caddies who will go on to be 

successful in life.” 

On sending caddies to college: 

“Caddying is hard work. If a person puts in the necessary 

requirements to be up for an Evans Scholarship, then he 

or she is going to use their scholarship to their advantage, 

continuing to work hard in chasing their dream.” 

*Player statistics as of July 11, 2011 

Getty Images 

PGA TOUR 

“Being a WGA Director gives me 

the opportunity to meet many 

deserving caddies who will go on 

to be successful in life.”

championships 

news & notes 

2011 Field Highlights 

•35 of the top 100 

ranked juniors 

•33 states represented 

•6 countries and 8 

state junior champions 

94th Western 

junior 

2011 winner Connor Black 

For the first time, a Junior- 

Am was held during the 

tournament week, pairing 

two amateurs with two 

junior competitors. The 

event helped raise $25,000. 

At 5’ 9” and only 140 pounds, 15-year-old Connor Black wasn’t the longest hitter in the 

field, but his solid short game carried him to victory on June 24 at the 94th Western 

Junior Championship at The Beverly Country Club in Chicago. The Katy, Texas, native, 

who will be a sophomore in high school in September, won by two strokes over Hunter 

Kraus of Germantown, Tenn. 

Futures sites 

2012: CC of Florida (Village of Golf, FL), left 

2013: Meridian Hills CC (Indianapolis), center 

2014: Flossmoor CC (Flossmoor, IL), right 

triple play 

Only a select group of clubs have hosted all three WGA 

championships: the Western Junior, Western Amateur and 

the BMW Championship (formerly the Western Open). 

Hinsdale Golf Club (IL) 

Blythefield Country Club (MI) 

Glen View Club (IL) 

Midlothian Country Club (IL) 

The Beverly Country Club (IL) 

Westmoreland Country Club (IL) 

First held in 1914, the Western 

Junior is the oldest national junior 

championship in the nation. The 

Western Junior draws a field of 

the top-ranked male teenagers 

across the country each year. 

PGA TOUR stars such as Jim 

Furyk, Hunter Mahan and Rickie 

Fowler have won this tournament. 



Defending champion David Chung 

109th Western 

Amateur 

Tickets for the 2012 BMW 

Championship, from Sept. 3-9, 

2012, at Crooked Stick Golf Club 

near Indianapolis, go on sale 

Sept. 1, 2011. Tournament officials 

have already surpassed $3 million 

in corporate sponsorship sales. 

“We have received tremendous 

support from the Indianapolis 

community,” said WGA’s Vince 

Pellegrino. 

When: Aug 1-6 

Where: North Shore 

Country Club, Glenview, Ill. 

notable players in the 2011 field 

Peter Uihlein: #1 ranked, 

2011 Ben Hogan Award winner, 

2010 U.S. Amateur champion 

Russell Henley: #3 ranked, 

2010 Player of the Year 

Patrick Cantlay: #2 ranked, 

T21 2011 U.S. Open 

David Chung: Western 

Amateur defending champion 

Scott Langley: 2010 NCAA 

Individual champion 

Jordan Spieth: #1 ranked 

Junior player 

Known as “The 

Masters of 

Amateur Golf,” 

this championship 

showcases the 

rising stars of 

the game. It 

consistently ranks 

among the world’s top amateur 

tournaments. 


Cherry Hills Country Club in 

Cherry Hills Village, Colo., 

will host the 2014 BMW 

Championship. Cherry Hills 

has hosted two U.S. Opens, 

two PGA Championships, a 

U.S. Women’s Open and a 

U.S. Senior Open. In 2012, 

the club will host its second 

U.S. Amateur. 

“Cherry Hills has served as a worthy venue for many of golf ’s 

finest championships and has been a loyal supporter of the 

Evans Scholars Foundation, which is the sole beneficiary of 

the BMW Championship.” 

-Vince Pellegrino, WGA vice president of tournaments 

Western Golf partners with WWGA 

The WGA and the Women’s Western Golf Association are forming a 

new partnership in which the WGA will provide administrative support 

to WWGA championships beginning in 2012, leaders said in June. 

“This is the beginning of what we hope to be a long, mutually beneficial 

relationship,” said WGA President and CEO John Kaczkowski. 

“This partnership will provide long-term stability for our organization 

and tap into the wonderful talent and resources of the Western Golf 

Association,” said Linda Gilley, president of the WWGA. 

The WWGA promotes national amateur golf competitions for girls and 

women by hosting the Women’s Western National Amateur Championship 

and the Women’s Western National Junior Championship. 

Summer 2011 

11

Evans Scholars chapter living in 2010-2011. Main picture, from left: Evans Scholars Dev Patel, Katie Johnson, Kelly Nash, Diamond Greer and Luke Mehmeti. 

Northwestern and Marquette Evans Scholarship Houses, respectively. Photos by Charles Cherney 

In 1981, the first group of women moved into Evans Schol 

and in doing so, changed the meaning of Evans Scholars ch

in recognition of 

30 

years 

co-ed 

When three female Evans Scholars 

moved into the University of Michigan 

Scholarship House in the fall of 1981, it was a 

historic moment in the Evans Scholars Program. 

But Mary Bitkowski, Amy Wikol and Margaret Hearn weren’t thinking 

about that. They were more focused on their new set-up: triple bunk 

beds in the House’s lower level. “It was so comical,” Wikol recalls. “It 

was the classic dorm room, tiny! It was like camp. We loved it.” 

The women also loved what it meant — for the first time, female 

Scholars could fully be a part of Evans Scholars chapter living. That 

year, they were part of a group of seven incoming female freshmen 

— at Michigan and Michigan State University — with the first-ever 

opportunity to live in a Scholarship House all four years. 

The Michigan women, who remain close to this day, found themselves 

instantly surrounded by 60 big brothers. “It was a privilege to live in 

the House together,” Wikol says. “I remember WGA leaders saying 

it was really special, and I think it made sense as far as logistics and 

camaraderie.” 

Johnson and Nash are presidents at the 

arship Houses — 

apter living. 

In the early 1980s, co-educational living was not common on 

college campuses. “It was a big deal,” recalls WGA’s Jim Moore, 

who was then serving as associate educational director of the Evans 

Scholars Program. Up to that point, 45 women had earned the Evans 

Scholarship — a path paved by Judith Cloos, the first female recipient 

(see next page) — and all had lived in their university’s dorms rather 

than in the Scholarship House. 

But the number of female Evans Scholarship recipients was increasing, 

and WGA leaders, who recognized that scholarship house living was 

a crucial component of the program, knew it was time to address the 

issue once and for all. 

continued

First female President 

Christine Tuerk 

In 1986, Christine (Tuerk) 

Martin (Mich. ’87) was 

the first female elected to 

lead an Evans Scholarship 

House. “I was just another 

candidate,” she says. “Our 

Chapter had females living 

in the House for 

(a while), with 

some taking 

on leadership 

positions before 

me. They did 

excellent jobs, 

and there was never any 

feeling, that I sensed, of 

a need to prove myself 

(because I was female).” 

She also was the first 

woman elected an officer of 

the Evans Scholars National 

Committee, but an even 

bigger honor came in 1986 

when she was named the 

National Evans Scholar 

Leader of the Year. 

in recognition of 

30 years 

co-ed 

The Michigan and Michigan State Evans Scholarship Houses were natural first 

choices for co-ed living because of the way the buildings were set up structurally, with 

separate living areas that the women could use. Still, not everyone was sold on the 

idea. The WGA’s board vote on the matter was not without “thorough discussion,” 

Moore says, and he met some resistance from other parties. “There was little 

enthusiasm, only because it was so different,” he says. “Change never comes easy.” 

Practical jokes abounded — Vaseline on the doorknobs was a favorite, Moore recalls 

— “but we were fortunate to have a strong group of initial women.” Many of them, for 

example, were used to the role of “the only girl among all the guys,” whether it be from 

the caddie yard to their engineering majors, and this perhaps better prepared them for 

the transition to co-ed living, Moore suggests. 

Once the women settled in, “they became a great 

stabilizing influence,” Moore says. They also helped 

boost the chapters’ cumulative GPA. “There was 

little doubt in my mind that once it settled in, it 

would work,” he says. 

“There’s a lot to be 

said for the bonding 

and camaraderie that 

happens when you’re 

The chapters at the University of Colorado and living inside the House.” 

Purdue University were the next to break the 

-Zoe Pietrusiak Sundstrom 

barrier, in 1982 and 1983 respectively, and other 

Houses — depending on the structural design and 

other logistics — soon followed. Today, all of the Evans Scholars chapters, except for 

the Scholarship Houses at Miami University and Northern Illinois, are co-ed, and 

WGA leaders are working to address the issues that have prevented women from 

living there. 

“It is our goal that all Evans Scholars experience Scholarship House living in the very 

near future,” says Jeff Harrison, the organization’s vice president of education. That 

includes Scholars who attend universities without a Scholarship House. 

Northwestern University Evans Alum Zoe Pietrusiak Sundstrom knows what it’s 

like to be excluded from house living. “I felt like there 

was a lot I was missing out on by not being there,” says 

Sundstrom, who graduated in 1991. “There’s a lot to be 

said for the bonding and camaraderie that goes on. You’re 

The 2011 Purdue senior class 

1954 

First woman awarded 

an Evans Scholarship: 

Judith 

54 

Cloos 

1981 

Women move into Evans 

Scholarship Houses

“There’s a sense of 

accomplishment,” 

says Kelly Nash of 

being president of 

the Marquette Evans 

Scholarship House, 

“and at the same 

time, a sense of ‘I 

belong here.’” 

House living at Northwestern 

Evans Scholars chapter living in 2011 

just not as much a part of the experience if you’re not in the House.” 

That changed her sophomore year, in 1988, when five women moved in. 

“We were very openly accepted,” she says. “For us, it was great to be able 

to wake up and be a part of the experience.” 

As women became more integrated into chapter living, they also ran 

for executive board positions. To date, a female has served on every 

position on the board, as well as in the positions of graduate resident 

advisor and faculty advisor. Historically, Marquette has had the highest 

ratio of female women living in the House; at times 

Female Alumni 

862 

Female Scholars 

195 

1986 

it has been more than fifty-fifty. Currently, Kelly 

Nash serves as president. “I ran for president because 

I wanted to do what I could to not only improve the 

House but make the Program better,” she says. 

This year, Nash is one of two female presidents 

from the 14 Scholarship House chapters, which she 

calls “kind of cool.” Her role becomes particularly apparent at special 

Program-wide functions with other Scholar leaders, who are mostly 

male, she says. “There’s a sense of accomplishment,” Nash says, “and at 

the same time, a sense of ‘I belong here.’” 

First woman elected 

Chapter President: 

Christine Tuerk 

2004 2010 

First woman faculty 

advisor: Wendy Evans; 

there have been four 

more since 

Woman elected first 

National Alumni 

Association Chair: 

Mary Gallina O’Leary 

86 10 

Frst female Evans Scholar 

Judith Cloos 

Judith grew up in Hinsdale, Ill., skipping two 

grades in school and starting high school at age 

12. She caddied at Edgewood Valley Country 

Club and was awarded the Evans Scholarship in 

1954 when she was 16. After earning a business 

degree, she and her husband moved to Germany, 

where they raised a family. She died in 2008. 

Upon receiving Judith’s application, the 

WGA Board of Directors first had to create a 

policy of eligibility for female Scholars. In a 

letter dated June 23, 1954, then-Educational 

Director Mac McGuigan wrote to her: “Your 

application was the first that has ever been 

received from a girl caddie in the 24-year 

history of the Evans Scholars Program.” 

A precedent first had to be set before a 

decision on her acceptance could be made, 

he wrote. 

In a June 24 response letter, Judith 

expressed disappointment: “I’m sure you 

realize that a girl may have the same 

problems concerning finances at college as a 

boy.” On August 12, she was notified that she 

had, indeed, earned the Evans Scholarship.

scholars 

news & notes 

BMW 

summer 

internship 

Illinois Scholar 

earns marketing 

opportunity 

Buy cool stuff 

in our new online store! 

BMW continued its Evans Scholars Internship Experience in 2011, 

offering Grant Stoffle, who will be a senior at the University of 

Illinois, the chance to assist the BMW and Mini 

regional teams in coordinating events and dayto-day 

activities, as well as marketing initiatives 

surrounding the BMW Championship. 

“I am extremely excited, and I am looking 

forward to putting my skills to the test,” said 

Stoffle, who is the president of the Illinois 

chapter, as well as president of the Evans 

Scholars National Committee. “I know I will 

learn valuable business lessons from the teams 

that I will be working with.” 

“Golf has been a huge part of my life, and having the 

opportunity to be involved with the planning of the 

BMW Championship is amazing.” 

wrap-up 

Winter Outing 

Highlights: Northwestern New Scholars won the Roland 

F. “Mac” McGuigan Academic Trophy (below), which 

honors the New Scholar class with the highest GPA, the 

Michigan State men and Illinois women won the annual 

Scholar basketball tournament and Evans Scholars held 

their 59th annual Golf Ball formal at Hyatt Regency Chicago. 

3.40GPA 

for NU New 

Scholars 

in fall 2010, 

earning them 

the Academic 

Trophy 

BMW intern Grant Stoffle 

www.wgamerch.com 

Evans Scholar parents 

join the Par Club! 

In 2010, the Evans Scholars Foundation 

reached out for the first time to parents of 

Evans Scholars, 

asking them to 

consider becoming 

Par Club members. 

The initial goal was 

to raise $10,000. 

To date, nearly 

$73,000 has been 

donated by more than 320 Scholar and 

Alumni parents. The successful effort will be 

repeated this year. 

320 

New Par Club members in 

2010 who are parents of 

Evans Scholars or Alumni 

Coming soon: Users will be able 

to log in online, update a personal 

profile, post and search for jobs and 

sign up for Evans Scholar events! 

www.wgaesf.org 


2011 Evans Scholars graduates 

High Five! 

Wisconsin Scholar Nate Cira graduated 

in May with five majors — yes, five! 

When Nate Cira started college, the plan was to 

get in and get out quickly. With the college credit 

he amassed in high school, he figured it would take 

three years. But after living in the Evans Scholars 

House, his plan changed. 

“I was enjoying my time in Madison, so I decided to 

stay and just take more courses,” Cira said. “Then I thought I’d pick 

up an extra major.” Turns out, he graduated with five. 

Cira’s childhood passion for taking things apart morphed into 

conducting experiments and research as a young adult. At the 

University of Wisconsin, he has won invention competitions, conducted research 

projects at a local ER that resulted in new medical discoveries, and even worked 

with NASA to build a rocket. 

Now with degrees in biomedical engineering, biochemistry, biology, microbiology 

and molecular biology, Cira is headed to Stanford, where he will pursue a Ph.D. 

in bioengineering. He ultimately hopes to either become a professor or start a 

business selling his inventions. Beyond innate curiosity, Cira says the Scholarship 

motivated him to succeed. “It was such a gift,” he said. “I felt like people had 

made an investment in me. This is my way of honoring that investment.” 

Read Nate Cira’s full story online at www.wgaesf.org 

200 

Evans Scholar seniors 

graduated in May. 

Many are going on 

to graduate school; 

others have jobs 

in fields including 

business, teaching and 

consulting. 

top leaders 

From left: Michigan’s Patrick Brinnehl, secretary; Illinois’ 

Grant Stoffle, president; Missouri’s Patrick Miller, vice 

president; Ohio State’s Tom Rist, treasurer. 

National Committee 

The Evans Scholars National Committee was 

created in 1960 for Scholars to share ideas across 

chapters. It includes a president and executive 

board representative from each of the Program’s 

14 chapters who meet throughout the year, and a 

national board, pictured above. 

Giving back! 

Each year, Evans Scholars make community service a priority. 

They jump into freezing lakes in the winter, shave their heads 

bald, run and bike long miles in the hot sun and host holiday 

parties and haunted houses — all 

in the name of charity. Their work 

did you know 

has benefited everyone from victims 

of cancer and domestic violence to 650 

those in need of their next meal. 

Pints of blood were 

“We have been given so much 

donated in the 2011 

through this Scholarship,” said Kelly Evans Scholars blood 

Nash, president of drive from 14 chapters. 

the Marquette 

Scholarship Chapter, “and it’s important 

for us to make our own lasting impact 

on the community.” 

Summer 2011 

17

2011 

BMW 

Championship 

did you know 

$9 million 

The amount of money raised by the 

BMW Championship since 2007 for 

the Evans Scholars, its sole charity 

Pro-Am event 

Evans Scholars and Alumni will caddie 

for the amateurs in the Gardner Heidrick 

Pro-Am on Wednesday, Sept. 14, to raise 

funds for the Evans Scholars Foundation. 

This will mark the sixth consecutive year 

Alumni and Scholars have caddied for 

the Pro-Am players. Last year, the caddie 

flat rate and tips added up to more than 

$16,000, part of the total $1.2 million 

raised for Evans Scholars during the 2010 

Pro-Am. 

2007 and 2009 champion Tiger Woods 

Who’s 

Tournament initiatives 

In 2011, BMW will continue its tradition of 

providing a four-year Evans Scholarship for 

the first hole-in-one made during the BMW 

Championship. 

Military personnel will be admitted free all 

week. A hospitality venue will be available 

for military personnel and their families. 

Juniors 16 and under also will be 

admitted free any day of the week when 

accompanied by a ticketed adult. 

The BMW Championship is offering 

upgraded Premier Parking passes available 

for $25 per day Thursday-Sunday. 

“The BMW Championship’s 

prime positioning as the 

penultimate PGA TOUR 

Playoff event offers fans 

the opportunity to witness 

firsthand one of the year’s most 

memorable and entertaining 

weeks of golf competition.” 

-WGA’s Vice President of Tournaments Vince Pellegrino 


2008 champion Camilo Villegas 

next 


Where: Sept. 12-18 

When: Cog Hill Golf and Country Club 

in Lemont, Ill. 

Featuring: The Top 70 PGA TOUR 

players vying for the final 30 spots in the 

TOUR Championship and a chance to win 

the FedExCup’s top prize of $10 million. 

To buy tickets, visit www.bmwchampionshipusa.com 

2010 champion Dustin Johnson 

Star volunteer 

Mel Krejci (Ill. ’60) has been 

volunteering for the BMW 

Championship (formerly the 

Western Open) for 50 years. 

It began when he was an Illinois 

Evans Scholar; now, from the 

parking lot to the scoreboard, 

he knows the drill well. And in 

December 2010, he was recognized 

for it when the PGA TOUR named 

Krejci the 2010 Volunteer of the 

Year for his 50 years of service. 

How did you feel when you first 

found out 

Shocked. There’s probably about 

2,000 volunteers every tournament. 

To be picked out of that crowd, it’s 

amazing. I didn’t know whether I 

should jump for joy or cry. When 

you put in that number of years, you 

never think about anything like this; 

you just think about giving back. 

Why did you start volunteering 

Growing up, kids could play at 

Riverside Golf Club for 75 cents, 

and my mom would take us. Then 

I started caddying. I heard about 

the Evans Scholars Program, and 

I thought it would help my family 

because my dad just got back from 

the war. Winning the Scholarship 

allowed me to go to college. This is 

my way of giving back. 

How long will you volunteer for 

Everybody says, ‘You’ve been doing 

this for so long; don’t you get tired 

of it’ Sometimes I do, but there 

are just so many nice 

people there. They’re 

the best group of 

volunteers in the 

country. I’ve 

made a lot of 

friends. 

Summer 2011 

19

fundraising 

news & notes 

Match Play Challenge 

Doubling dollars for Scholars 

Five generous Evans Scholars supporters have pledged to match 

Par Club gifts of $2,500 or greater up to a total of $1.5 million. 

This new Match Play Challenge initiative aims to raise $3 million in operating funds for the Western 

Golf Association and Evans Scholars Foundation: $1.5 million from major Par Club gifts and $1.5 million 

from the five Match Play Partners. 

The Challenge expands on the Par Club’s traditional grassroots support by reaching out to donors who 

are willing and able to contribute at more than the basic Par Club giving levels. The WGA is working 

on additional Match Play Partner commitments that would allow the Challenge to continue to 

match major Par Club gifts beyond 2011. 

Match Play Partners 

WGA Directors Mike Keiser and Jerry Rich 

Evans Alum and WGA Director George Solich 

WGA Evans Scholars Supporters Kevin Flynn and James Perry 

Making your annual Par Club contribution is easier than ever when you enroll in automatic monthly giving! 

Also use our lookup tool to see if your company matches gifts! Visit www.wgaesf.org for details. 

A return to Bandon Dunes 

$200,000 raised for Evans Scholars 

The second annual Evans Scholars Foundation Charity Retreat at 

Bandon Dunes Golf Resort in Oregon took place May 3-5, with guests 

enjoying private jet service, gourmet meals and rounds on all four 

world-class courses. The event again raised $200,000 for the Evans 

Scholarships. The third annual retreat is set for May 8-10, 2012. 

northwestern capital campaign wrap-up 

Futures on Course 

$7.8 million 

raised, making it 

the most successful 

campaign in Evans 

Scholars’ history. 

The campaign is ongoing; 

contact Jerry Dudek at 

(224) 260-3730 or 

dudek@wgaesf.com for info. 

NU House earns award 

The renovated Northwestern 

Evans Scholarship House was 

recognized in May by Evanston 

City Council leaders with a 2010 

Preservation and Design Award 

for a Sensitive Addition. 

Reviewers gave positive marks on 

the entry, window detailing and 

the reusing of materials. Panto- 

Ulema Architects and Bulley and 

Andrews worked on this project. 


Inaugural 

Green 

Coat Gala 

planned 

for fall 

The WGA’s 

inaugural Green 

Coat Gala to 

benefit the 

Evans Scholars 

Foundation will 

be held Friday, Nov. 4, at The 

Peninsula Chicago. 

Sponsorship options for tables are 

available; call Fran Haas at (224) 

260-3722 for information. 

The event, presented by Northern Trust and ITW, features 

the World Golf Hall of Fame’s Curtis Strange as the 

special guest. Strange won the 1974 Western Amateur 

and the 1988 and 1989 U.S. Opens. Today, he is a golf 

analyst for ABC and ESPN. 

Leaving a legacy 

The Chick Evans Society honors 

donors who have made a planned 

gift to ensure the legacy of the 

Evans Scholars Foundation. 

A gift can be made through a 

bequest in a will or by designating 

the Foundation as the beneficiary of an IRA or life 

insurance policy. A planned gift allows the giver to 

communicate his or her legacy intent and the Foundation 

to recognize their generosity today. 

“Our caddies are special young people. They 

have had good training, come from fine 

homes, and have a desire to further themselves 

after their caddie years. The Evans Scholars 

Foundation provides them this opportunity.” 

-Doug West, a WGA Director from Midlothian 

Country Club (Illinois), who recently made a $25,000 

tax-free charitable gift from his IRA. 

275 Chick Evans Society members 

A personal relationship 

The first Named 

Scholar Luncheon 

was held June 

22 at Glen View 

Club, giving donors 

and Scholars the 

chance to meet. 

“Named Scholarships are an important way 

to continue the Evans Scholars tradition. As 

long as a club has a qualified caddie, it’s 

a way for them to support the Program for 

their caddies and a way for the caddies to 

know their club is supporting them.” 

Supporters who make a gift through an 

Endowed Named Scholarship have a unique 

opportunity for a more personal relationship 

with an Evans Scholar. For a gift of $125,000 

to the McGuigan Endowment Fund, an 

Endowed Named Scholarship is created 

in your name or in the name of a selected 

person or club. 

-WGA Director Fritz Souder, Wequetonsing GC 

Leading Named Scholarship clubs: 

Beverly Country Club (IL) with six, 

Wequetonsing Golf Club (MI) with four, 

Evanston Golf Club (IL) with three. 

75 

Total 

Endowed 

Scholarships 

as of July 

2011 by 

a club or 

individual, 

a 650% 

increase 

in the past 

seven years. 

Endowed Named Scholar 

After her husband 

passed away, Janine 

Chesrown could think 

of no better way than 

to honor his passion 

for golf with an 

Endowed Named 

Scholarship. Now, 

she and her Named Scholar, Margaret 

Bauer, who caddies at Riverside Golf 

Club where the couple were members, 

share a special relationship and email 

regularly. 

“I’m very impressed with her work 

ethic,” Chesrown said. “It makes me 

feel good that I’ve been able to be part 

of that experience.” 

Bauer, a senior at Michigan, feels the 

same. “I see her as a role model,” she 

said. “If it weren’t for her support and 

belief in my ability to succeed, I would 

not be the person I am today.” 

Summer 2011 

21

North Shore Country Club is a big supporter of championships and scholarships. This year, it 

hosts the Western Amateur. And every year, it develops and nurtures young caddies, allowing 

them a shot at earning an Evans Scholarship. 

Championing 

golf & education 

club profile 

Dan Dinelli with North Shore Country Club 

A rich history 

Designed by the legendary 

golf course architecture 

firm of Harry S. Colt and 

Charles H. Alison, North 

Shore is a Chicago-area 

classic that measures 

7,103 yards and plays to 

a par of 72. Opened to 

members in 1924, the club has hosted the 1928 Western Open, the 

1933 U.S. Open, the 1939 U.S. Amateur and the 1983 U.S. Amateur. 

It also has been the site of U.S. Open qualifiers and other significant 

events, including the 2010 Windon Memorial, a major collegiate 

tournament. 

Over the years, the club has made a point of preserving the spirit 

and aesthetic of the original design while adapting the course to 

improvements in today’s club and golf ball technology. The firm of 

internationally-known golf course architect Rick Jacobson – who 

caddied at North Shore as a teen – has led the preservation effort for 

the last 17 years. 

at a glance 

40 

North Shore 

Evans 


and Alumni 

Major 

tournaments 

hosted by 

the club 

“We accepted the invitation 

to host the Western Amateur 

solely based on what the 

Western Golf Association 

and the Evans Scholars 

Foundation stands for, and 

our long history of support with 

40 Evans Scholars having caddied at the club 

over the years.” 

-North Shore WGA Director Frank Morley, who also is 

chairman of the WGA’s tournament committee 

5 

5 

current 

North 

Shore WGA 

Directors 


scholar profile 

“College is a possibility. No one in 

my family has accomplished this.” 

“We were living in a cramped, two-bedroom apartment in the worst 

part of Cincinnati. There were homicides daily, constant police sirens 

and the neighborhood was riddled with drug dealers. One spring, 

no one could go outside because there was a huge riot going on for a 

week and a half. I was ready to get out of that place.” 

For 11 years, this was Alfonso Gillette’s life. Now, he is on his way to Ohio State 

University looking to pursue a career in broadcasting as an Evans Scholar. 

Alfonso’s mom always made sure he stayed on the right path. She kept him in school 

and, when things got too rough by their apartment, made sacrifices to move the family 

into a safer neighborhood. When Alfonso was a freshman in high school, she found 

out about a caddying program at Cincinnati’s Maketewah Country Club. Even though 

he knew nothing about the game of golf, he headed off to caddie training that spring. 

“Alfonso had a strong desire to work and refused to fail,” said club caddie manager 

Joseph Healy. Caddying taught him to hustle. “That’s what 

they like to see — not slacking off; always working hard,” 

Alfonso said. 

He became one of the club’s favorite caddies, according 

to Joe Desch, WGA’s Ohio Evans Scholars Chairman and 

Maketewah member. As he gained confidence, his caddying 

abilities — and academics — improved. Upon graduation, 

Alfonso was a member of the National Honor Society and 

ranked number two in his class. 

“I want to be 

somewhere in life, and 

I know this scholarship 

can help me get there.” 

Once a shy kid on the course, Alfonso now loves the spotlight. “I gave a speech at my 

graduation, and I was always the master of ceremonies for high school productions. I 

love to talk,” he says. 

“A college education will expose me to precious opportunities that 

those around me can only dream of,” Alfonso wrote in his application 

essay. “In turn, I will come out a man who has lived on both sides of 

the spectrum. I’ll have the ability to show those in my community 

that college is a possibility for them, too. No one in my family has 

accomplished this. I want that to change with me.” 

-New Evans Scholar Alfonso Gillette 

Summer 2011 

23


Father Joseph Binzer, a Miami University Evans Scholar Alum, is 

the new Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati 

by amy boerema fuller 

Decades before he felt a 

calling to devote his life to 

God, Joe Binzer already 

had dedicated his life to 

service. 

In 1972, in his application for the Evans 

Scholarship, Binzer, then 17 years old, 

wrote in neat, cursive handwriting: “I wish 

to go to college in order to further myself 

both as a student and as a person, in order 

to be able to help someone who may be in 

need in later life.” 

He didn’t know it at the time, but Binzer, 

in later life, would be in a unique position 

to help thousands. From caddie to college 

student, and later from public accountant 

to priest, the many roles of his life have 

helped prepare him for his current and 

most important role of all: Auxiliary 

Bishop for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. 

Bishop Binzer was ordained on June 9 

at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Chains 

in Cincinnati. In his new role, he helps 

the Archbishop of Cincinnati in leading 

the region, which includes almost half 

a million Catholics and hundreds of 

parishes, schools, hospitals, agencies and 

institutions. “It’s been humbling and a 

great blessing,” Binzer says. “It’s something 

I never would’ve anticipated.” 

As a child, Binzer never dreamed of 

becoming a priest, but faith always played 

an important role in his life. He grew up 

in a large family with six siblings and 

attended Catholic grade and high school. 

Even then, he was viewed as a leader. One 

younger sister, Jane Moore, recalls how he 

once took the blame on behalf of another 

sibling for messing with their father’s 

tools. “That’s the kind of person he was,” 

she says. “He’s always been a peacemaker, 

and he always tries to see the best in any 

situation.” 

One summer, his father, who didn’t 

tolerate laziness, encouraged Binzer 

and his brother, Tom, to caddie at the 

nearby Clovernook Country Club, a mile 

from home. Binzer recalls coming home 

from training early one day, and his dad 

promptly sent him back. “If you’re going 

to be sitting around doing nothing,” 

he told his son, “you might as well go 

back there.” 

Binzer was a hard worker in the 

classroom, as well, always getting top 

grades. Tom Binzer recalls the first day 

of grade school when a teacher, upon 

learning he was Joe’s brother, said, “You’re 

going to be one of the smart ones.” 

The brothers both earned the Evans 

Scholarship to Miami University. In 

college, Binzer served as a chapter vice 

president for two years and earned the 

Program’s distinguished Ames Award as a 

senior, based on votes by his peers. He also 

earned the nickname “Bugs,” his brother 

recalls, because as vice president in charge 

of house maintenance, “he was always 

bugging people to do their (cleaning) jobs 

and do it right.” As a leader, Joe knew 

when to have fun, Tom Binzer says, but he 

also knew when it was time to be serious. 

As a college senior, Binzer tried to make 

an early donation to the WGA Par Club, 

which was quickly returned because at

the time, money wasn’t accepted from 

Scholars who were still in school. He 

became a life Par Club member in 1986 

and later served as a WGA Director for 

11 years. In a letter to WGA leaders in 

1986, Binzer wrote: “I truly feel that the 

Evans Scholars Program has been the big 

difference in my life, and I’ve tried not to 

hesitate in letting people know that when 

I describe the Program to them.” 

After college, Binzer worked as a CPA 

at Arthur Young & Co. In 1986, he 

was having lunch with a client — the 

then-executive director of the regional 

Catholic Charities — when the client 

suggested Binzer become a priest. “I was 

stunned,” he recalls. “One minute, we 

were talking about financial statements; 

the next, he was saying, ‘You know what 

you should do with your life’” 

But something had resonated. Praying 

for guidance, Binzer enrolled in Bible 

classes to see if it was something he 

wanted to pursue. In 1988, he enrolled 

in the seminary. “I was obviously 

surprised,” Tom Binzer recalls of hearing 

the news, “but there was never a thought 

continued 

Above: Binzer, after being 

ordained as Auxiliary Bishop 

for the Archdiocese of 

Cincinnati. Right: Binzer 

prostrates himself while the 

congregation sings and asks 

the blessing of God and the 

saints upon him. Below: 

Binzer’s personal coat of 

arms, designed specifically 

for him as the Auxiliary 

Bishop of Cincinnati. 

Photos by Mark Bowen


continued from page 25 

in my mind that he was making a mistake.” 

He also had surprised someone else — Roland F. “Mac” McGuigan, 

the WGA’s then-educational director. “After recovering from 

your bombshell decision, I realized that your future marriage to 

the priesthood made much sense,” McGuigan wrote. “You have 

the required character, temperament, compassion, convictions, 

personality and integrity. My prediction is that you will be one hell 

of a great priest!” 

On June 4, 1994, Binzer was ordained a priest. Soon afterward, 

Binzer told the Cincinnati Enquirer that his ultimate goal was 

“to help people appreciate the love God has for them and to 

simply accept people for where they are in the faith journey — to 

recognize there are people struggling with their faith and others 

who are ecstatic about where they 

are. I just want to help people in 

“As I look back, I have whatever way I can.” 

been incredibly blessed Since then, that’s exactly what he 

throughout my whole life.” has done. For the past eight years, 

Binzer served as chancellor of the 

- Father Joseph Binzer 

Archdiocese, answering questions 

about church law and overseeing 

child protection programs. Both the adults and kids at his parishes 

adored him, friends say, with his kindness and sense of humility 

particularly resonating. “Joe is one of the most genuinely humble 

men that I’ve ever met,” says Mary Jo Neumann, a parishoner 

and family friend who has worked with him in various capacities 

over the years. “He’s also very down-to-earth and very real. He 

understands how to bring your faith down to an everyday level.” 

She recalls how the children would flock to him on the church 

playground. “It was really something,” she says. “They would wrap 

their arms around his legs. He was a magnet.” And she has no 

doubt he will be a success in his new role. “He will be the people’s 

bishop,” she says. “I think people will respond to him the same way 

they have always responded to him, wherever he goes.” 

Binzer was stunned the day it was announced he had been selected 

to be the next auxiliary bishop. So was his family. “It’s been very 

humbling for us all,” says Tom Binzer, a current WGA Director. 

In his new role, he assists the diocesan bishop, who is designated by 

the Pope to lead a particular region. He’ll attend parishes for special 

ceremonies and teach at schools, among other responsibilities. 

As he always has, Binzer feels tremendous gratitude for the 

opportunities he has been given. “There are things I feel blessed 

to have a chance to do,” he says. “God always gives me the 

grace to help me to do what I’m supposed to do in a particular 

circumstance.” 

And he hasn’t forgotten his roots, which include caddying and 

earning the Evans Scholarship. To this day, he remains close with 

many of his Evans Scholar brothers. “As I look back, I have been 

incredibly blessed throughout my whole life,” he told The Catholic 

Telegraph. “I see my vocation as a blessing, and not as a job or a 

career. I am truly grateful, and I continue to ‘hope in the Lord,’ 

now and forever.” 

77 

Binzer enters Mount St. Mary’s 

Seminary of the West at the 

Athenaeum of Ohio in Cincinnati. 

The Athenaeum of Ohio 

11 

1988 

94 

Binzer is ordained as the 

11th Auxiliary Bishop for the 

Archdiocese of Cincinnati. 

1977 

Joe Binzer graduates from 

Miami University with a 

degree in accounting. 

1994 

Binzer is ordained to the priesthood for the 

Archdiocese of Cincinnati 

2011 

Binzer in high school, 1971 

Binzer types a paper for seminary in 1993 

Left: Binzer at his priest ordination ceremony. 

Below: Binzer with Evans Scholar Alums at the 

reception.

alumni profile 

Calling the shots 

A Minnesota Evans Alum spends his days 

on the court, clashing (sometimes literally) 

with some of the NBA’s biggest stars 

A quick chat with professional basketball referee Pat Fraher (Minn. ’96), who has worked more than 280 

games in the NBA. 

How did you become a referee 

I began when I was 15 years old with my dad. At 17, I refereed my first high school varsity game. Two 

years later, I attended a summer camp in Las Vegas run by three NBA referees. After having a crazy 

game with nine technical fouls and five ejections, I was on their radar. I worked in the CBA and WNBA 

before coming to the NBA in 2001. This year, I made it to the Western Conference semi-finals. 

How do you deal with people getting in your face 

Conflict’s part of the job. There are certain lines they can’t cross, and when they do, it’s simple – they get 

a technical or an ejection. The tricky part is when they don’t cross the line; they bring it to the edge and 

try to break your concentration. Then you have to warn them. I have the same problem 

with my 4-year old. The more excited they get, the more composed we have to be. 

How do you break up fights between players 

You try to get in as quick as you can, but once they start throwing punches, get out of 

the way. You’re not going to stop a 260-pound, 6’ 10” guy once they start going at it. 

What’s the most challenging part of the job 

With the level of scrutiny we’re under, the expectations are impossible. The 

expectation is perfection. You’re human, so you’re in a no-win situation. You’ll 

always fall short. It’s no fun when you wake up and see yourself on SportsCenter. 

It’s not like they’re going to show a clip of you making a good call. 

How do people react when you tell them your job 

They’re curious. It’s a unique job. There are only 60 of us in the world. They ask who the 

toughest coaches and players are. The veteran coaches tend to be toughest because they 

have the seniority and experience of how to interact with the referee. Larry Brown could 

be difficult, Phil Jackson could be tough, also Jerry Sloan. We’ve got an influx of younger 

coaches coming in, so I’m looking forward to that. 

What’s your favorite part of the job 

The playoffs – the intensity can’t be matched anywhere. My second favorite part is right after 

the playoffs – the offseason! 

Top: the officiating 

crew for Game 3 of the 

Western Conference 

Semi-finals; Pat Fraher, 

second from right. 

Above: Game 5 of the 

first-round Denver/ 

Oklahoma City matchup. 

-by Nicole Thompson 

Summer 2011 

27

alumni profile 

Jeff Kiser 

with his 

dog Reno at 

training. 

Only six other people in the world do 

what Michigan State Evans Alum Jeff 

Kiser does — he’s a federal agent with 

a special kind of partner. 

ATF. Reno is an expert at sniffing out the bad guys. 

Literally. He specializes in detecting human scent. 

Special agents 

“When people need 

help, they call the 

police,” Kiser said. 

“When the police 

need help, they call 

us.” 

Special agents Jeff Kiser (MSU ’86) and Reno 

knew they were hot on the suspect’s trail. 

They’d been tracking the runaway killer down the 

streets of Detroit for two and a half hours, and 

Reno knew they were closing in. Then suddenly, the 

trail was gone, replaced by the scent of gasoline 

and burnt rubber. The criminal had escaped. 

But not everyone is so lucky. 

“A lot of times, Reno will chase someone down 

and apprehend them, which is a nice way of saying 

he bites them,” Kiser laughed. “There’s always that 

split second on every deal where I see the guy look 

at Reno, and they just give up. It’s exciting.” 

Kiser has a job only seven people in 

the world have. He’s a special agent 

with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, 

Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, 

but his partner makes him a unique 

kind of special agent. His partner’s 

name is Reno, and he’s a 4-year-old 

German Shepherd. 

Kiser and Reno specialize in highrisk 

missions, “the worst of the 

worst,” Kiser says. They execute 

arrest and search warrants for the 

And the police call from all across the nation. While 

Kiser and Reno are meant to focus on the Midwest, 

they travel to all corners of the country because there 

are so few dogs that do what Reno does. 

“Reno probably has about 300,000 air miles,” Kiser 

said. “He loves flying. He’s like a little kid going for a 

car ride. He flies in the cabin with me. He lays on the 

ground and goes to sleep. A lot of passengers will say 

they didn’t even know there was a dog on the plane.” 

Kiser has always wanted to work in law enforcement. 

He graduated in 1986 as an Evans Scholar from 

Michigan State University, which has one of the 

nation’s best criminal justice programs. 

“I don’t know if I would have been able to go to college 

if I didn’t get the Evans Scholarship,” Kiser said. “It’s 

one of the prerequisites for the job to have a four-year 

degree.” 

Kiser started working for the ATF in 1987, just one year 

out of college. He started working with Reno three 

years ago. 

“I’m a dog lover to begin with,” Kiser said. “But to go 

to work every day with my dog, to train him and watch 

him learn and grow is a very rewarding position, the 

most rewarding job I’ve ever had.” 

-by Nicole Thompson 


the 

macreport 

alumni news and class notes 

Sharing the news 

The newly named 


Magazine gives the 

WGA/ESF an exciting 

new platform to 

showcase the Evans 

Scholars Program to a much larger 

audience. Sharing the stories of the Alums 

and Scholars, along with the successes 

of the Program, with all members of the 

Evans Scholars family is vitally important. 

The Mac Report section continues 

specifically for Alums and Scholars. 

Sharing the stories of Alums 

and Scholars with all members 

of the Evans Scholars family is 

vitally important. 

National Alumni Association Chair Mary 

Gallina O’Leary and her leadership team 

have been diligently working on the 

restructuring of the Alumni Association. 

There are great new opportunities to get 

involved, contribute to the Program and to 

stay connected with your fellow Alums. 

Also, the technology upgrade at WGA/ESF 

is nearly complete and the Alumni log-in 

and private section of the website is close 

to being ready. Stay tuned for details. 

You will be pleased to know that the 

regular Par Club giving levels were 

increased in 2011 to match the Alumni 

levels. Alums continue to lead the way in 

giving to the Evans Scholars Foundation. 

Thank you for your generous support of 

the Evans Scholars Program. Please stay 

in touch, and I look forward to seeing 

many of you during my travels in the 

coming months. 

Jeff Harrison is the Vice President of 

Education at the Western Golf Association. 

Making a 

lifelong 

commitment 

Association recap 

•The restructuring of the 

Evans Scholars Alumni 

Association is nearing 

completion 

•Evans Scholar Alumni groups 

now are organized by Scholar 

university and region 

With more than 100 Evans Scholar Alumni 

leaders in place, including a national board, the 

newly restructured Alumni Association has started its 

work in strengthening Evans Scholars relationships. 

“This is a year of transition as we get all the building 

blocks in place,” says Mary Gallina O’Leary (OSU ’87), 

National Alumni Association Chair. “A main focus of 

ours is helping Alumni to recognize that the Evans 

Scholarship is about so much more than just a college education. It is an experience 

that changes the trajectory of our lives.” 

The Alumni Association has transitioned from the former state-based association to a 

university-led structure. Leaders have also identified Alumni presidents in the 10 largest 

Alumni regions and are working to secure leaders in at least 10 additional locations in 

2012. Other goals include establishing a Young Alumni Association in Chicago, which 

will later be expanded throughout the country, as well as increasing the percentage of 

Alumni who donate to the Par Club. Visit www.wgaesf.org/alumni for information on 

how to reach your local president. 

What role can I play 

Donate to the Par Club – then call a few 

friends and ask them to do the same. 

Participate in Alumni events and 

Scholarship fundraisers. 

CONNECT online via Facebook, Twitter 

and LinkedIn. 

Mentor current Scholars (help with 

resumes, interview skills and networking). 

Volunteer at the BMW Championship; 

proceeds solely benefit Evans Scholars. 

ENCOURAGE potential Evans Scholars to 

apply or family and friends to start looping 

at a country club. 

Want to learn more Visit www.wgaesf. 

org/alumni for contact information on your 

university or regional president. 

“I’m so thankful for the amazing opportunity 

the Evans Scholars Foundation provided me. 

I can’t wait to see what lies ahead in my life 

and to stay involved in the Program as an 

Evans Scholar Alum!” 

Sidney Solomonson, Washington State, ‘11 

Summer 2011 

29

then and now now 

and then 

The first Alumni Association is organized! 

From a March 1957 Alumni newsletter: “Meet 

the new president of the Chicago-area Alumni 

Association: Milton Newton! Milt was one of 

the four Evans Scholar recipients in 1945.” 

1957 2011 

Chick Evans chatting with Alumni officials, including 

Milton Newton, second from left, at the 1960 Alumni 

Outing (what is now the ES Summer Outing) 

what people said 

1 

female 

There were 

6 

and 

231 


“We owe it to ourselves, to our families and to the WGA 

to help other kids gain and enjoy what we have gained 

through our college experiences. It goes without saying 

that I am interested in doing anything I can to help form an 

association.” Bill Maloney (NU ’51) 

Alumni Association 

Scholarship Houses: 

Northwestern, Illinois, 

Michigan, Wisconsin, Michigan 

State and Marquette 

with 

Evans Scholar 

(then a junior) 

now there are 

14 

and 

9,400 


of which 

862 

what people are saying 

The reorganization of the Evans Scholars 

Alumni Association, announced by WGA 

leaders in fall 2010, is nearly complete! 

Scholarship Houses, with 19 

Evans Scholar universities 

are women 

Marquette Alums at the 2010 Alumni Holiday Party 

“The Evans Scholarship changed all of our lives. Being 

a part of the Alumni Association allows us to give 

back, and we can help spread the word to caddies and 

current Scholars about this life-changing experience. 

The more Alumni who are involved, the stronger the 

organization will be.” Alan Sprunk (MSU ‘79) 

evans alumni calendar 

at a glance 

July 25 

NJ: East Coast 

Evans Alumni 

Classic, Hawk 

Pointe Golf Club 

MN: Seven Club 

Tournament, 

Interlachen Country Club 

August 1 

IL: Evans Scholars Invitational, 

Onwentsia Club and Shoreacres 

August 7-8 

IL: Evans Scholars Expo and Summer 

Outing, Medinah Country Club 

August 8 

OH: Caddie Classic, Maketewah Country 

Club 

August 19 

WI: Mark Cushman Evans Scholars 

Classic, Stevens Point Country Club 

August 29 

IN: Evans Scholars Classic, Crooked 

Stick Golf Club 

WA: Evans Cup of Washington, Meridian 

Valley Country Club 

September 12 

MI: Hickory Stick Invitational, Edgewood 

Country Club 

OR: Evans Cup of Oregon, Portland Golf 

Club 

September 12-18 

IL: BMW Championship, Cog Hill Golf 

and Country Club; Gardner Heidrick Pro- 

Am (Sept. 14) 

October 10 

CO: Par Club Tournament, The 

Broadmoor 

A full list of Evans Scholar 

events can be found online at 

www.wgasef.org. 


Giving, simplified 

Save stamps and make giving to the 

Evans Scholars Foundation as easy 

as possible by enrolling in the new 

automatic monthly giving program. 

You can set up an automatic monthly 

gift from your checking account via 

electronic fund 

transfer or 

through a 

credit card 

at www. 

wgaesf.org. 

Also, make sure to use the online 

lookup tool to see if your company 

matches gifts. It’s an easy way to 

double or triple your donation at no 

extra cost! 

Follow us! 

facebook.com/ 

evansscholars 

WGA Director Mary Bitkowski Petrovich (Mich. ’85). 

Giving numbers 

80% 

of Alumni have made 

some kind of donation 

to the Evans Scholars 

Foundation 

$50 million 

the total amount 

that Alumni have 

contributed since 1957 

twitter.com/ 

evansalumni 

linkedin.com; 

ES Alumni Association 

news & notes 

Auto Show’s First Look 

benefits Evans Scholars 

More than 100 Evans Alumni 

and friends strolled the Auto 

Show floor at the Feb. 11 First Look 

for Charity at McCormick Place 

in Chicago. The black-tie event, 

which raised $29,000 for the Evans 

Scholars Foundation, took place the 

night before the Auto Show opened 

to the public. 

The Evans Scholars Foundation was 

one of 14 participating organizations 

that received funds from First Look, 

one of the city’s biggest one-day 

charity events. 

AxleTech CEO to be featured guest 

at 2011 Evans Scholars Speakers Forum 

WGA Director Mary Bitkowski Petrovich (Mich. ’85) will be the 

featured guest at the 2011 Evans Scholars Speakers Forum 

on Thursday, Nov. 10, at Union League Club of Chicago. She’ll 

share her experiences as a caddie, Evans Scholar and CEO of 

Detroit-based AxleTech, the fastest-growing and most profitable 

business in its industry. 

Petrovich grew up in suburban Detroit, the second oldest of eight 

children. Her father died when she was young, and she had to 

help care for her siblings, three of whom were babies. “There 

was a lot of responsibility at a young age,” she has said, “so I 

had to grow up fast.” 

Money was tight, but a job caddying at Franklin Hills Country Club 

changed her life. Today, Petrovich is the CEO of a firm that makes 

drivetrain components for off-highway and specialty vehicles. 

mark your calendar! 

The second annual Evans Scholars Speakers Forum will be 

held at noon on Thursday, Nov. 10, at Union League Club of 

Chicago. Tickets are $35; register at www.wgaesf.org! 

alumni 

theMACreport 

Summer 2011 

31

AROUND THE LOOP 

Stay connected — let your fellow Alumni know what’s new in your life! Send in your letters, updates and photos online at www.wgaesf.org or 

send a note, including your full name, school and year graduated to: alumni@wgaesf.com. 

Colorado 

Kevin Lewis, ’77, is general 

manager and director of golf 

at Machrihanish Dunes Golf 

Club in Scotland. 

Jack Haake, ’83, is regional 

director, West Natural Gas 

Origination, for NextEra 

Energy Resources. He and his 

wife, Traci, 

and their 

colorado 

alumni 

399 

son, Connor, 

live in 

Broomfield, 

Colo. 

John 

Milord, ’03, is a producer and 

director in Los Angeles. 

Breana Prince, ’11, is 

pursuing a doctorate in 

physical therapy at Franklin 

Pierce University in Arizona. 

Illinois 

Mike Dixon, ’71, is an 

architect with the U.S. Peace 

Corps in Kyiv, Ukraine. He 

blogs about his adventures at 

mdixon56.com. 

Kevin Fitzpatrick, ’74, 

is executive director of 

the Metropolitan Water 

Reclamation District of 

Greater Chicago. 

Tim Ryan, ’78, is business 

development manager 

at Golden Oil Co. in the 

Janesville, Wis., area. 

Steven Stroker, ‘81, is a 

regional director at Baird in 

Chicago. 

Paul Grgas, ’87, is an 

intelligence, surveillance 

and reconnaissance trainer 

at ISYS Technologies. He 

recently retired from the 

Changing the course of a lifetime 

Duane Metcalf (Colo. ’70) wrote in late 2010: 

After I was awarded the Evans Scholarship, 

the local newspaper carried the names of the 

recipients. It was summer, and I was working at 

the Broadmoor Golf Club. One day, I decided to 

have lunch at the employee 

cafeteria, the only time in 

all the years I worked at the 

club that I ate there. 

“To say that the course of 

my life was changed by 

the Evans Scholarship is 

quite an understatement.” 

On that same day, a young 

lady also decided to eat in 

the cafeteria — the only day she would ever 

do so. We had known each other for years (we 

attended the same high school) and when she 

saw me, she mentioned seeing the article about 

U.S. Air Force as a master 

sergeant. He and his wife, 

Tami, and their son, James, 

live in Alexandria, Va. 

Dan O’Rourke, ’88, is a 

senior manager, indirect tax, 

at CCH. 

Mike Kirchner, ‘00, and 

Leigh (Naroleski) Kirchner, 

‘02, welcomed son Ryan 

Michael on Feb. 17. 

Jim Lee, ’00, and Colleen 

(King) Lee, ’01, welcomed 

daughter Hannah Marie on 

April 28. She joins brother 

the Evans Scholarship. We talked and then 

got back to our respective jobs. That evening, 

I called and asked her for a date. Two years 

later, we were married. On June 9, 2010, we 

celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary. 

The Scholarship allowed me 

to attend college and start my 

professional career. Also because 

of it, a young lady stopped, talked 

to me and became my wife. I 

shall forever be grateful to those 

who made it possible for me to get a college 

education and an introduction to my wife. 

Every day, I realize what it means to be an 

Evans Scholar and how lucky I was, and am. 

Chana Esther 

and Avi Fogel’s 

(Ill. ’0) children, 

Miri, Chaim, 

Leah and 

Nosson Tzvi. 

Andy. The family lives in 

LaGrange Park, Ill. 

Adam Schneiderman, 

’00, is vice president at 

Newmark Knight Frank Epic in 

Rosemont, Ill. 

Tom Kubala, ’03, and his 

wife, Kristie, welcomed 

daughter Katherine Lee on 

Jan. 29. 

Robbie 

Moy, ’04, 

is engaged 

to Annette 

Oswiecinski. 

The couple, 

who live in Chicago, will 

Illinois 

alumni 

1,096 

marry Sept. 10. He is a senior 

consultant at Avanade. 

Steven Schmitt, ’06, is a 

designer and project manager 

at Full Circle Architects in 

Northbrook, Ill. 

Robbie Moy (Ill. ’04) is engaged 

to Annette Oswiecinski. 


‘A huge part of our lives’ 

Sean Collins (Ill. ’03) and his wife, Erin Murphy, along with Evans 

Scholars from four schools at their August 2010 wedding. 

Sean Collins (Ill. ’03) wrote in January: 

This past August, I married Erin Murphy, and in lieu 

of traditional wedding favors, we decided to make a 

donation to the Evans Scholars Foundation. The Evans 

Scholarship has played an important role in both the 

Murphy and Collins families. Along with my scholarship to 

Illinois, Erin’s cousins, Colleen King (Ind. ‘12) and Sean 

Murphy (NU ‘10), have also been lucky enough to be a 

part of this great program. 

At our wedding, we had Scholars from the Marquette, 

Indiana, Northwestern, Illinois, and Purdue houses. The 

program has been a huge part of our lives, and we look 

forward to donating and volunteering in the future. 

Kristie and Tom Kubala’s (Ill. 

’03) daughter, Katherine. 

Justin Marku, ’09, is at 

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & 

Smith in New York City. 

Joseph Janiczek, ’11, is 

engaged to Christine Padilla. 

He is a manufacturing 

engineering associate at 

General Mills in West Chicago, 

Ill. 

Eric Persiani, ’11, is a junior 

trader at Infinium in Chicago. 

“The Evans Scholarship has changed my 

life forever. Your kindness and 

generosity will never be forgotten.” 

Maggie McEldowney (Ill. ’11), 

thanking par club members 

park partners 

The park behind 

the Illinois Evans 

Scholarship 

House, at 1007 

S. Third St., has 

been adopted by 

Evans Scholars. 

Indiana 

Tony Coco, ’90, wrote in 

February: “After more than 

13 years of working at the 

DuPage County (Illinois) Public 

Defender’s Office, first as an 

Assistant Public Defender, then 

as a Senior Assistant Public 

Defender, then as Deputy Chief 

Public Defender, (2010-2011). 

I was appointed an Associate 

Judge for the 18th Judicial 

Circuit on Jan. 21. Prior to 

being a Public Defender, I was 

an Assistant State’s Attorney 

in DuPage and an associate 

attorney at the law firm of 

Caluwaert & Panegasser 

in Elmhurst. I am currently 

assigned to traffic court.” 

Scholar networking in SoCal 

Vladimir Kroshinsky (Ind. ’07) wrote in June: 

After completing my undergrad, I didn’t think I would be 

involved with the ESF at the level I am today. I would have 

never imagined leading an effort to engage with and build 

an Alumni social network in Southern California! 

It wasn’t until Tom Fitzgerald (Ind. ’73) contacted me, 

surprised that we have three Alumni working in Hollywood 

at the same advertising agency, did I realize the significant 

role social media has on connecting Alumni from around 

the world. Tom has been working on connecting Scholars in 

Southern California for over a decade and has established a 

database of over 250 Scholars, including a subset of almost 

40 “ShowBiz Scholars” who work in entertainment. 

The Scholars at the same agency are myself, John Druska 

(Ind. ’07) and Evan Bernardin (Ind. ’10). We stayed connected 

through social media and now work in social media 

at Creative Asylum, where we create and execute marketing 

campaigns for studios and entertainment industry brands. 

Now we’re using technology and social media to help re-engage 

and connect with the massive SoCal Alumni group. We 

couldn’t be more excited to utilize our expertise to support 

and promote a scholarship that has done so much for us! 

Find us on Facebook.com/SoCalScholars 

continued 

theMACreport 

Summer 2011 

33

‘I am forever indebted to the Evans Scholars Foundation’ 

Lou Ellsworth (Ind. ’85) wrote in November 2010: 

In October, my oldest nephew was married in Indianapolis. This 

presented an opportunity to take my wife and two daughters 

to Bloomington for the first time. I was thrilled! We went to 

breakfast on the square around the 

courthouse, which still has its smalltown 

charm. The area is far more 

developed and commercial than it 

was 20 years ago, but it strikes a nice 

balance. 

After eating, we took a drive to the 

Evans Scholars house. We were 

greeted by New Scholar Educator 

Kyle Lynch, ‘11. The house looks 

fabulous. I was envious of the 

luxury these caddies experience (no 

communal bathrooms). It’s excellent 

there are enough female Scholars and 

appropriate conditions that allow them to live in the house. 

I’m thankful I have a place to visit at IU that feels like home. 

Though a generation apart, Kyle Lynch and I would both choose 

to swim in the pond given the choice between the pool and the 

pond. That’s a comforting feeling and an instant bond. 

One highlight was finding photo albums Ed Hackett,‘86, 

chronicled while I was in school. I was thankful he devoted so 

much time to developing them. How can you not laugh when 

Lou Ellsworth (Ind. ’85) and his family visit 

the Indiana Evans Scholars House in 2010. 

you show your spouse a concentration camp-like picture of four 

toilets lined up next to each other without walls dividing them 

There were hundreds of pictures that included members of the 

class of 1983 through the class of 1988. The 

constant in these pictures were big smiles 

and hearty laughter. 

As I walked past Ballantine Hall towards 

Kirkwood and Indiana, I realized this trip 

was far more for me than my family. My 

daughters don’t understand the concept of 

college, and my wife has no devotion to the 

Midwest. With the colored leaves floating 

about on this perfect Brown County day, I 

could barely contain my excitement for being 

where I was. It’s hard to believe I was once 

lucky enough to have been a student at such 

an amazingly beautiful place. 

I can’t help but feel enormous gratitude that I was at the Evans 

Scholars House for four years. I am happy this was my life, and 

I was fortunate enough to have met the people I met and made 

the friends I made. None of us will know what our lives would 

have been like had it not been for the Evans Scholarship. But 

I never delude myself into thinking that I would be who, what 

and where I am without it. It changed my life, and I am forever 

indebted to WGA and the Evans Scholars Foundation. 

Indiana cont. 

Sean O’Leary, ’02, is spine 

territory manager, Chicago 

district, at Globus Medical in 

Chicago. 

Nick Svarczkopf, ’05, is an 

associate office broker at CB 

The Indiana 



class of 

2011. 

Richard Ellis in Indianapolis. 

He and his wife, Lindsay, live 

in Fishers, Ind. 

Vladimir Kroshinsky, ’07, 

is a senior social media 

manager at Creative Asylum 

in Hollywood, Calif. 

Jason Quillin, ’09, is a 

teacher’s aide at Alexander 

2011 Little indy 500 

In April, following 

another bout of bad 

luck, the Indiana 

Scholars finished 32nd 

with two riders — and 

a lot of heart — in the 

annual bike race. 

Graham Bell Montessori 

School and AEHI in Wheeling, 

Ill. He wrote in December: “I 

am a teacher’s aide for about 

15 3-6-year-old children and 

have learned Cued Speech 

to better assist and communicate 

with the deaf or 

hard-of-hearing children.” 

Evan Bernardin, ’10, is a 

social media representative at 

Creative Asylum in Hollywood, 

Calif. 

Brett Floyd, ’11, is a campus 

analyst at Huron Consulting in 

Chicago. 

Martin 

Ryan, ’11, is 

a commercial 

associate at 

Fifth Third Bank 

in Cincinnati. 

Indiana 

alumni 

545 

Christopher Williams, ’11, 

is an investment banking 

analyst at Bank of Montreal in 

Chicago. 


‘Never too late to say thanks’ 

Marquette 

Scott Miller (Ind. 

’86) wrote to WGA 

Director David 

Bleeke in late 2010: 

I don’t know if you 

will remember 

me, but I had the 

pleasure of caddying for you several times at the Fort Wayne 

Country Club in 1979, 1980 and 1981. As a result, I earned 

the Evans Scholarship. I wanted to reach out to you, as you 

were one of the members who was most kind to me in those 

days. I’ve always believed you were one of my supporters. 

Following IU, I went to work for an insurance carrier in 

Indianapolis. In the years since, I have worked across the 

state of Indiana. I’ve had some success, working my way 

along from field claim rep to claims supervisor, then to 

claims manager, and now sales manager for my employer. 

It has been a rewarding and pleasant career. I work with 

“There is not a day that goes by 

that I do not remember all that everyone 

has done for me. I am honored still to have 

been chosen for the Evans Scholarship.” 

wonderful people and have the honor to represent a quality 

organization that strives to provide excellent service. I’m 

married to a beautiful and capable wife, my best friend. I am 

proud to have a son who is a senior at Fishers High School 

(and a 2010 Class 5A Football Champion), and a lovely young 

daughter. Life is good. 

There is not a day that goes by that I do not remember 

all that everyone has done for me. The members of the 

Fort Wayne Country Club were wonderful to me, and I am 

honored still to have been chosen for the Evans Scholarship. 

I have been proud to give back, having attended several 

ceremonies to award the scholarship around the central 

Indiana area to deserving soon-to-be Scholars. I have also 

been honored to participate in the selection committee 

meetings from time to time. 

It is never too late to thank someone for what they have 

done, and though many years have passed since we saw 

one another, I still remember your kindness and support to a 

young man who was trying to become all he could be. Thanks 

for everything that you did for me, and for being so kind and 

supportive. I hope to see you again one day. 

Dino and Stephanie (Sylve) 

Antonopoulos’ (Marq. ’04) 

son, Michael, with sister Ellie. 

Robert Stupp, ’64, has 

written a young adult fiction 

book titled “The Fable of 

Freddy and the Frockett.” 

Jason Janes, ’00, and his 

wife, Danielle, welcomed 

daughter Addison LeeAnne 

on March 20. He is a senior 

network analyst at AT&T 

Mobility. 

John Doggett, ’00, and 

Melissa Curran, ’02, married 

May 30, 2010, in Las Vegas. 

They welcomed daughter 

Madeline Kay on April 16. 

Stephanie (Sylve) 

Antonopoulos, ’04, and her 

husband, Dino, welcomed son 

Michael on April 18, 2010. He 

joins sister Ellie. 

Josh Drueck, ’06, wrote in 

February: “I made the move 

across the pond a few months 

ago; still working for the 

same advertising agency, but 

transferred to our office here 

in London for a while to work 

Danielle and Jason Janes’ 

(Marq. ’00) daughter, Addison 

LeeAnne. 

on the European and Asian 

markets for a few global 

clients.” 

David Ocampo, ’06, married 

Erly Luchy Guerra in June. 

He works at DeVry and is 

pursuing his MISM at Keller 

Graduate 

School of 

Management. 

Dan 

Daitchman, 

’07, married 

Lauren Oswald 

on Aug. 28. 

mARQUETTE 

alumni 

677 

Bob Cummings, ‘11, is a 

Latin teacher at Carmel High 

School in Mundelein, Ill. 

Melissa (Marq. ’02) and John 

Doggett’s (Marq. ’00) daughter, 

Madeline Kay. 

Dan 

Daitchman 

(Marq. ’07) 

married 

Lauren 

Oswald on 

Aug. 28. 

They’re 

pictured 

with Evans 

Scholars. 

theMACreport 

Summer 2011 

35

Another year has passed 

Ken Filippini (Marq. ’83) wrote in November 2010: 

Another year has passed, filled with excitement and change. 

Our oldest daughter, Kimbra, had the most change — two 

heart surgeries and she started college. Her health is doing 

great, and she loves school. It is a joy to watch her thrive! 

Jonathan is a junior in high school, playing soccer and 

studying hard. He is considering following dad’s path into 

business when he heads to college. Rachel, our youngest, 

is a freshman in high school and is living out her dream 

of being involved in the musical at school. She is a great 

dancer but she sure didn’t get that from me. 

Julie continues to keep us all headed in the right direction. 

Business is going well — everyone likes to eat ice cream, 

and we make some of the best. We expect you will be able 

to find Hudsonville Ice Cream in the Chicago area in 2011. 

Marquette cont. 

Alan Devey, ’11, is at Aon in 

Glenview, Ill. 

Nicholas Hookham, ’11, is 

at Consolidated Graphics in 

Milwaukee. 

Melissa Curran (Marq. ’02) 

and John Doggett (Marq. ’00) 

married May 30, 2010. 

Julie and Ken 

Filippini’s 

(Marq. ’83) 

children 

Kimbra, 

Jonathan and 

Rachel. 

Miami 

Joseph Binzer, ’77, has been 

appointed Auxiliary Bishop of 

the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. 

Previously, he served as 

chancellor of the Archdiocese 

and pastor of St. Louis Church 

since 2003. He was ordained 

on June 9 at the Cathedral 

of St. Peter in Chains in 

Cincinnati. 

John Marshall, ’90, is 

principal of Chaminade 

Julienne Catholic High School 

in Dayton, Ohio. 

Christopher Moses, ‘95, 

is a partner at Charleston 

Radiologists and Imaging 

Specialists of Charleston in 

South Carolina. 

Jeff and Christine (Darmofal) 

Slade’s (Mia. ’01) daughter, 

Vivienne Elise, 1. 

Christine (Darmofal) Slade, 

’01, and her husband, Jeff, 

welcomed daughter Vivienne 

Elise on Jan. 1, 2010. 

ALUMNI 

Amy Lillibridge, ’02, 

obtained a CMP designation 

in January. The professional 

title represents standards of 

excellence in the meetings, 

conventions 

and 

exhibitions 

industry. 

spotlight 

miami 

alumni 

398 

Andrew 

Kawalek, 

’11, is a real 

estate/leasing broker at State 

Street Properties in Chicago. 

Angela Wade, ’11, is a 

freshman math teacher at St. 

Martin de Porres High School 

in Cleveland. 

When Andrew Critzer (Mia. ’00) first heard what his dad, 

Tom, was creating, he thought he was crazy. A cape that 

calms your dog during a storm It was just another wacky 

invention, he thought. Then, to Critzer’s surprise, it worked. 

The cape, called the Storm Defender, is said to calm dogs 

with storm anxiety, both during the storm and before. Its 

metallic lining keeps out static electricity emitted before 

a storm that can sometimes send dogs into a panic. “It 

actually worked!” Critzer said. “It’s been amazing the kind 

of feedback we’ve gotten.” 

Sadly, his father passed away in 2005, not too long after 

starting the business. Now, Critzer, his Scholar siblings 

Steven (Mia. ’05) and Susan (Mia. ’08) and their mom, 

Karen, run the business. 

“We see this as a way to carry on dad’s 

legacy,” Critzer said. “It’s definitely 

something we like being involved in. 

We want to maintain dad’s overall 

goal, which was to help as many dogs 

and owners as possible.” 

Andrew Critzer (Mia. 

’00) with his dog, 

Maggie, wearing the 

Storm Defender. 


Angela and Andrea Wade 

(Mia. ‘11) at graduation. 

Anne Mersch (Mich. ’11), 

left, at graduation. 

Michigan update 

Bill Haney (Mich. ’58) wrote in December 2010: 

In 2010, my handicap went up from 7 to 9, from the senior 

tees, of course, and for the first time in five years, I didn’t 

shoot my age (now 74, but I had several 75s). 

But I did win the gold in billiards in the Michigan Senior 

Olympics, published a couple new books, saw an essay 

of mine appear in the literary journal “Memoir (and)” and 

increased my holdings in grandchildren to an even eight. 

“The Evans Scholarship is one of the 

biggest blessings in my life, 

and I am so thankful to be part 

of such a wonderful community.” 

I got halfway to a goal set by my brother of playing the 

four “extreme” golf courses on this planet: southernmost 

(Ringa Ringa, on Stewart Island, New Zealand), lowest 

in elevation (Furnace Creek, Death Valley, California), but 

have no immediate plans for the highest in elevation, nor 

the northernmost. Likely other Evans Scholar Alums have 

accomplished that feat long before I ever will. 

Michigan 

Michelle (Fox) Dokas, 

’91, is a pediatric nurse 

practitioner, acute care, 

pediatric cardiovascular 

surgery, at Children’s Hospital 

of Michigan in Detroit. She 

earned a master’s of science 

in nursing from Wayne State 

University in 2010. 

Kirk Siefker, ’93, and his 

wife, Jessica, welcomed 

son Eli Henry on Jan. 7. He 

weighed 9 lbs., 8 oz., and 

joins brother Nathanael. 

Jessica and Kirk Siefker’s 

(Mich. ‘93) son, Eli Henry. 

angela wade (mia. ’11) 

Ian Ellison, ’94, is FAQ 

Manager at Pandora. He lives 

in Oakland, Calif. 

John Deledda, ’95, and his 

wife, Natalie, welcomed son 

Sebastian on July 1, 2010. 

Justin Cuschieri, 03, has a 

gastroenterology fellowship 

at Albert Einstein Medical 

Center in Philadelphia. 

Justin Havekost,’03, is a 

senior analyst and account 

manager at STR Trade in 

Farmington Hills, Mich. 

Kellie Schwagle, ’03, 

married Joe Wagner on Sept. 

4. The couple live in Chicago. 

Dan Cousino, ’04, is a 

commercial real estate 

attorney at Katten Muchin 

Rosenman in Chicago. 

Jill Kwiatkowski, ’04, 

married Michael Dahm on Oct. 

23 in Michigan. The couple 

live in Chicago. 

Nathan Meredith, ’07, is 

a project engineer at ITT 

Geospatial Systems in Fort 

Wayne, Ind. He earned his 

master’s in space systems 

engineering from the 

University of Michigan. He 

married Amber Shaw in 

California in late 2010. They 

live in Fort Wayne, Ind. 

Patrick Alger, ’11, works 

at PricewaterhouseCoopers 

in Detroit. He is pursuing a 

master’s in accounting at the 

University of Michigan. 

Jared Clark, ’11, is a 

completions engineer at Shell 

Oil Co. in New Orleans. 

Brett Cockerill, ’11, is a 

software test engineer at 

Microsoft in Seattle. 

Alexander Hyla, ’11, is 

pursuing a Ph.D. in chemistry 

at Georgia 

Institute of 

Technology in 

Atlanta. 

mICHIGAN 

alumni 

703 

Anne 

Mersch, ’11, 

is pursuing a 

doctorate in physical therapy 

at Washington University in 

St. Louis. 

Kellie 

Schwagle 

(Mich. ‘03) 

married Joe 

Wagner on 

Sept. 4. The 

couple is 

with Alumni 

and friends. 

theMACreport 

Summer 2011 

37

Michigan cont. 

Jill Kwiatkowski (Mich. 

’04) married Michael Dahm on 

Oct. 23. 

Michigan State 

Mark Freathy, ’77, is a 

teacher representative for 

the California Commission 

on Teacher Credentialing. 

He was appointed by the 

Governor to serve on the Calif. 

Academic Content Standards 

Commission in June 2010. 

Scott Wilson, ’78, is chief 

human resources officer for 

Vi-Jon in St. Louis. 

Brian Goulding, ’79, retired 

from the Navy in June after 

29 years as a career surface 

warfare officer. He and his 

wife, Danielle, live on a 

Nathan Meredith (Mich. ’07) 

married Amber Shaw in 2010. 

small horse farm in North 

Carolina. 

Sean Franke, ’92, is 

president of Electronic 

Merchant Services in the Los 

Angeles area. 

Daron Wojnowski, ’99, 

married Christie Herter on 

Oct. 2. He is a high school art 

teacher in Plainfield, Ill. The 

couple live in Montgomery, Ill. 

Kambiz Ghorashi, ’02, is a 

vice president at Diversified 

Industries Group in Chicago. 

Chris Malavolti, ‘05, is 

pursuing a master’s degree at 

the University of Michigan’s 

Center for Chinese Studies. 

Jonathan Decker, ’09, is an 

assistant golf professional 

at Ridgeway Country Club in 

Neenah, Wis. He is working 

toward becoming a PGA of 

America member. 

John Zimcosky (MSU ’07) 

made it into the hot seat of the 

game show “Who Wants to be a 

Millionaire” on Aug. 10, 2009. 

He walked away the next day 

with $25,000. 

The Chicago finance analyst 

cruised through the first five questions and earned $1,000. 

He didn’t use a lifeline until the $16,000 question, which 

he got right with the help of the audience. Then, the night’s 

“expert,” George Stephanopoulos, helped Zimcosky secure 

$25,000 before time ran out. On night two, a question 

about Amy Winehouse’s island vacation stumped him. He 

answered wrong, but still earned $25,000. “This is definitely 

one of the top experiences in my life,” said Zimcosky. “It was 

an exciting time and just lots of fun.” 

-adapted from mlive.com 

Ethan Guy, ’09, is an 

associate at Energy Solutions 

in Oakland, Calif. He lives in 

the Bay area. 

Jessica Campbell, ’11, 

is pursuing a doctorate in 

osteopathic medicine at 

Michigan State University 

Medical School. 

Steven Eroyan, ’11, is an 

auditor at Ernst and Young in 

Detroit. 

David Foley, ’11, is 

operations manager at All 

Metals in Wixom, Mich. 

ALUMNI 

spotlight 

Brandon Gray, ’11, is 

enrolled in the engineering 

leadership development 

program with Siemens. 

Giuseppe Palazzolo, ’11, 

is pursuing a 

law degree at 

University of 

Detroit Mercy. 

MSU 

alumni 

770 

Cory 

Stadelbauer, 

’11, works at Grant Thornton. 

Chon Taylor, ’11, is a 

database consultant at Oracle 

in Reston, Va. 

“I applaud the WGA. It all started with one 

man, and now thousands have 

benefited from his and others’ generosity.” 

Lisa Kent-cockerill on facebook 

mother of Terran Cockerill (MSU ‘09) and Brett Cockerill (Mich. ‘11) 

MSU Alums 

at Daron 

Wojnowski’s, 

‘99, wedding on 

Oct. 2, 2010. From 

left: Doug Filiak, 

‘99, Wojnowski, 

‘99, Kevin 

Marvin,’99, Brian 

Vento, ‘00, and 

Jeff Kraft, ‘98. 


Minnesota 

Steve Libby, ’70, is 

brokerage director at M & M 

Brokerage Services in New 

York City. 

minnesota 

alumni 

596 

Josh 

Madigan, 

’00, is vice 

president, 

Adfusion, at 

ARAnet in 

Minneapolis. 

Anna (Zalaznik) Peterson, 

’05, is partner/graphic 

designer at Foofaraw Design 

in the Minneapolis area. 

Cathleen VonderHaar, ’05, 

married Chris Reffkin (Pur. 

’05) on April 30. 

Jennifer Congdon, ’07, is 

owner of Jennifer Congdon 

Law in St. Paul. 

Colin Eide, ‘09, is a 

researcher and analyst at 

Dunia Frontiers Consulting 

and an Arabic translator at 

The Executive at Beirut in 

Lebanon. 

Janet Grom, ’11, has 

enrolled in Teach for America 

in Houston, Texas. 

Lucas O’Brien, ’11, is 

pursuing a master’s degree 

in human resources at the 

University of Minnesota. 

Gabriella Potter, ’11, is at 

PricewaterhouseCoopers in 

Minneapolis. 

Jon Paul Wynne, 

’11, is an associate at 

PricewaterhouseCoopers 

in the advisory financial 

management and analysis 

group. 

ALUMNI 

achievements 

Robert “Dock” Stupp (Marq. ‘64) 

published a young adult fiction book, 

The Fable of Freddy and the Frockett, 

about a Native American boy who 

goes on an educational and humorous 

journey with his girlfriend, Frankee. 

Catching up with Alumni 

Steve Caswell (MSU ’79) wrote in May: 

It’s time to drop a line. I spent some time at Michigan State 

prior to Thanksgiving and stayed overnight at the Kellogg 

Center. Classes were still in session, and it was great to 

walk around, just another Spartan for a few days. 

I had dinner with Mark Guastella (MSU ’77), who is 

also the current House benefactor. I enjoyed catching up 

and getting some house meeting stories about the current 

caddies! I also got an update on Mr. Tom Dutch, our 

revered former faculty advisor, whose wise words I still 

hear in my head after so many years. I also met with the 

current faculty advisor Steve Ruthenberg, general manager 

of the Forest Akers Golf Course. His knowledge of the golf 

industry and enthusiasm for the Evans Scholars program 

were truly impressive. 

That trip came a few weeks after an Evans Scholar Alumni 

dinner hosted here by Matt Desch (OSU ’80). Around 75 

Alumni were present. The spirit in the room was infectious, 

and we each took a minute to talk about how important the 

Scholarship has been to us. It was a special treat to have a 

beer with the ageless Jim Moore! 

I’ve lived in the Washington area since 1980, and I’m 

currently employed by a major health insurer here, 

concentrating on process improvement and compliance. 

My youngest goes to college in the fall, so I’m looking at 

the empty nest and figuring out what’s next. In any case, 

I look forward to reconnecting with Alumni, especially 

through social media. (I’m on Facebook more than my kids!) 

Don Van Eynde (MSU ‘59) was 

the 2011 recipient of the Dr. and 

Mrs. Z.T. Scott Faculty Fellowship 

in recognition of his outstanding 

abilities as a teacher and advisor. 

He is a professor at Trinity 

University in San Antonio, Texas. 

Brian Goulding (MSU ’79) wrote in June on 

his Navy retirement: “It was a great ride with 

assignments in Japan, Hawaii, West and East Coast 

ports. I served on several different types of ships 

from Aircraft Carrier to Frigate and commanded an 

Amphibious Troop Transport, USS TRENTON. The last 

14 years of my career, I was homeported in Norfolk, 

which allowed my family needed stability in the great 

state of Virginia while I was deployed. Having done 

everything 

a Navy 

Captain can 

do, it was 

time to say 

goodbye to 

active duty 

and seek a 

new life in 

the civilian 

community. 

My wife, Danielle, and I are now enjoying our small 

horse farm in North Carolina, and I am seeking 

employment in the energy efficiency industry.” 

theMACreport 

Summer 2011 

39

The 

Minnesota 



class of 2011 

at the May 

16 Founder’s 

Day event. 

Missouri 

Roger Bentley, ’69, is the 

global communications 

manager for Tyco Flow Control 

in Houston, Texas. 

Gerard Noce, ’74, 

Missouri 

alumni was admitted to the 

American College 

423 of Trial Lawyers, 

Justin Mulligan, ’11, is 

Jason Bayle, ’99, is pursuing Amanda Murphy, ’11, is 

one of the premier 

legal associations in 

America. He was inducted in 

April in San Antonio, Texas. 

Michael Cordes, ’75, is an 

academic instructor, GED- 

Prep, at Job Corps Center 

in Gainesville, Fla., and a 

certified math teacher in 

Florida. 

Chris Weinzirl, ’84, is 

executive vice president 

of finance and human 

resources at Eurpac Brokerage 

Operations in Dallas. He lives 

in Irving, Texas. 

John Thomas, ’98, is branch 

office administrator at Stifel, 

Nicolaus & Company in St. 

Louis. 

Nikolas Koscielniak, 

’11, is pursuing a doctorate 

in occupational therapy at 

Washington University in St. 

Louis. 

pursuing a law degree at St. 

Louis University. 

Kelly Poskin, ’11, is a nurse 

at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in 

St. Louis. 

No. Illinois 

Willem Veldhuyzen, ’93, is 

owner and CEO of Rapid Filing 

Services. 

Tom Browne, ’98, is a sales 

engineer at Tyco Electronics in 

the Chicago area. 

“The Evans Scholars Program has truly 

been a life-changing experience. 

It challenged me to do more than I ever 

could have imagined four years ago.” 

Jon paul wynne (minn. ’11) 

a master of fine arts in acting 

and theater 

at Lousiana 

State 

University. 

‘The stars have aligned’ 

Jason Bayle (NIU ’99) appeared on the Feb. 14 

episode of The Chicago Code on Fox, singing at the 

memorial service for a fallen officer. He wrote in 

February: 

It was a tremendous opportunity, and I know my Evans 

Scholars family would be proud. 

Mary and I now live in Baton Rouge, La. I received an 

offer to attend LSU on scholarship to work towards 

my MFA in acting and theatre. I'm a member of the 

resident professional company at night and take classes 

and teach “Intro to Acting” during the day. Mary is the 

director of communications and development for the 

Baton Rouge Ballet. Somehow the stars aligned for us 

down here, and we feel very lucky to be here. 

No. Illinois 

alumni 

229 

Michael 

King, ‘00, 

is manager, 

software engineering, at Front 

End Systems in Chicago. 

Jeffrey Goworowski, ’11, 

is an account executive at 

American Marketing and 

Publishing in DeKalb, Ill. 

Jason Hidy, ’11, is a sales 

representative at Windy City 

Wire Company in Bolingbrook, 

Ill. 

pursuing a master’s in speech 

and hearing sciences at the 

University of Illinois. 

Todd Trexler, ’11, is pursuing 

a master’s in accounting at 

Northern Illinois University. 

Northwestern 

George Karney, ’55, 

was appointed to lead 

the congregation at Good 

Shepherd Episcopal Church of 

Delaware in August 2010. He 

wrote in November: “Since 

retiring in 2000, I have served 

in various congregations in 

The 

Northern 

Illinois 



class of 

2011. 


oth Delaware, as well as 

Pennsylvania and New Jersey. 

Our life has been full. This 

past year, my wife and I went 

on safari in Kenya. Bypass 

surgery has not prevented me 

from continuing on with a full 

and active life.” 

Lauren (Manczko) Kaiser, 

’99, is vice president, FX 

specialist at Wells Fargo Bank 

in Chicago. 

Dan Aguirre, ’05, is a literary 

agent. He lives in southern 

Spain. 

Patrick McAuliffe, ’11, 

is pursuing a master’s in 

electrical engineering at 

Northwestern University. 

Justin Smith, ’11, is an 

analyst at PepsiCo. in 

Chicago. 

Max Willer, 

’11, is a 

mechanical 

engineer 

at General 

Dynamics 

Electric Boat in 

Groton, Conn. 

NU 

Alumni 

659 

Derek Snaidauf and his team visiting Legzira Beach near 

Sidi Ifni. Below: Snaidauf in Ouarzazate. 

ALUMNI 

spotlight 

The group did three months of pre-work, which 

involved education and team-building, and two 

months of post-work, which entailed serving as an 

ambassador and spokesperson for the program. 

‘The trip of 

a lifetime’ 

Derek Snaidauf (NU ’99) got 

the opportunity of a lifetime last 

fall when he was selected to 

be a part of a special work program allowing him to travel to 

Morocco for a month and work with colleagues from across the 

world helping organizations in developing countries with their 

business strategies. 

Snaidauf, a Service Area Manager with IBM in Chicago, was 

selected to be a part of the company’s Corporate Service Corps, 

a six-month global citizenship and leadership development 

program. After completing a rigorous application process last 

spring, he was shocked to learn he had been selected for the 

first team headed to Morocco. Of the company’s estimated 

10,000 people who had applied, only around 500 people were 

selected and then divided into teams of 8-12 people, he says. 

The highlight, of course, was the trip to Africa with 

his team, which consisted of eight people from six 

countries: Brazil, Japan, Korea, India, Vietnam and 

the United States. “Morocco has such an amazing 

vibrancy and culture and heritage,” Snaidauf says. 

“The people there were extremely generous and 

friendly.” 

The lifestyle was an adjustment – like getting used 

to their long, leisurely lunches, as opposed to the 

quick American business meals. Snaidauf worked 

mostly on a project with a governmental agency 

that oversees 

regional matters, 

recommending 

ways for them to 

better promote 

tourism, investment 

and economic 

“Morocco has 

such an amazing 

vibrancy and culture 

and heritage.” 

development. Their final report, which included 

a plan to improve the website and network with 

other groups, got great feedback. “They were so 

appreciative of our support and help that we actually got a 

standing ovation, which is something you don’t often get in the 

business environment,” he says. 

After the long work days, his group would trade stories 

about their home countries and prepare traditional dishes for 

everyone to sample. On weekends, they traveled throughout 

the country. After the trip, his wife came to visit, and the two 

traveled throughout the country and the continent. 

The trip pushed him out of his comfort zone. “It was 

challenging and intense,” he says. “The ability to learn about 

the lives and experiences of teammates and clients from 

around the globe was one of the great gifts.” 

theMACreport 

Summer 2011 

41

Ohio State 

Ryan Pagnanelli, ’98, is 

director, perfusion services, at 

Comprehensive Care Services. 

He and his wife, Lesley, 

welcomed daughter Avery on 

Feb. 21, 2010. 

Patrick Remenowsky, ’99, 

is a pro caddie at Sherwood 

Country Club in Thousand 

Oaks, Calif. 

University in Jerusalem, 

Israel. 

Michael Frey, ’11, is a 

support 

writer 

at 360 

Water in 

Columbus. 

ohio state 

alumni 

740 

Evan Hale, 

’11, is a 

staff scientific information 

analyst for Chemical Abstracts 

Service in Columbus. 

Jeremy Wood, ’00, is 

president of Ethic Promotions 

in Portland and co-founder 

of Brewery Branding Co. in 

Portland. 

Jemine Mode, ’04, is 

assistant attorney general in 

the attorney general’s office in 

Eugene, Ore. 

Purdue 

Rich Niemiec, ’83, is 

president of ROLTA TUSC in 

Lombard, Ill. 

Peter Bozzo, ‘94, is head 

of operations at Michael’s 

Finer Meats and Seafood in 

Columbus, Ohio. 

Chris and Maureen (Ritchie) 

Trybula’s (Pur. ’05) daughter, Ella. 

Michael Conway, ’11, 

is a research assistant at 

the Harvard Skin Disease 

Research Center in 

Boston. 

Matthew 

Eckhart, 

’11, is an 

account 

manager at 

Trane in Fort 

Wayne, Ind. 

purdue 

alumni 

402 

Sara and Dustin Dashner’s 

(OSU ‘05) twins, Ella and Keira, 

at 11 months. 

Richard Healy, ’04, married 

Kristin Hinze on Sept. 4. 

He is a senior auditor at 

Abercrombie and Fitch in New 

Albany, Ohio. 

Dustin Dashner, ’05, and his 

wife, Sara, welcomed twin 

daughters Ella and Keira on 

May 19, 2010. 

Michael Eizyk, ’11, is 

pursuing a master’s in conflict 

research, management 

and resolution at Hebrew 

Cristina and Steve 

Leffingwell’s (OSU ’00) 

children, Isabella and Andrew. 

Oregon 

Bill Brockhaus, ’67, is 

water program director at A 

Child’s Right and director of 

international development 

at A.J. Antunes & Co. in the 

Orange Country, Calif., area. 

David Evans, ’82, is owner 

of and a tax consultant at CTO 

Consulting in Portland. 

Nick Labianco (Pur. ‘09) and 

Kimi Fisher (Pur. ‘11) are 

engaged. 

Tim Turkowski, ’03, is the 

airport revenue manager for 

the North Central Region 

operating the Alamo, 

Enterprise, and National Car 

Rental brands at Enterprise 

Holdings in St. Louis. 

Sarah Freiburger, ’11, is 

a nurse at the University 

of Wisconsin Medical 

School in Madison. 

Angela Schafer, ’11, 

is pursuing a physical 

therapy degree at Indiana 

University. 

Washington 

Alan Braden, ‘08, is a realtor 

at VonKeith Properties in 

Burbank, Calif. 

Wisconsin 

Richard 

Healy (OSU 

’04) married 

Kristin Hinze 

on Sept. 4 . 

Chris Reffkin, ’05, married 

Cathleen VonderHaar 

(Minn. ’05) on April 30. 

Maureen (Ritchie) Trybula, 

’05, and her husband, Chris, 

welcomed daughter Ella 

Susan on Jan. 17. She joins 

sister Brianna. 

Nick Labianco, ’09, is 

engaged to Kimi Fisher, ’11. 

Dan Demichelis, ’64, is a 

certified public accountant 

and a certified fraud examiner 

at Financial Consulting and 

Investigators in New York 

City. 

Daniel Finley, ’80, is 

president and CEO of Autry 

National Center in Los 

Angeles. 


EVANS SCHOLAR 

coupleS 

How one couple met and married, 

thanks to the Evans Scholarship 

Rev. Glen Kohlhagen (Wis. 

’80) with his first grandchild, 

Elizabeth Marjory Kohlhagen, 

born July 28, 2010. 

The chances of Cathleen VonderHaar (Minn. ‘05) and 

Christopher Reffkin (Pur. ‘05) meeting were slim to 

none. She went to the University of Minnesota. He went 

to Purdue University – 530 miles apart. If their partners 

for that fateful March 2004 Evans Scholars National 

Committee meeting both hadn’t been missing, if there 

hadn’t been an empty chair next to Reffkin… if they 

hadn’t caddied and earned Evans Scholarships, they never 

would have met. 

“The first thing he did when I sat next to him was make 

fun of my shoes,” VonderHaar reminisced, laughing. 

“They had buttons on them, and he thought they were 

ball markers!” 

“I thought I’d blown it,” Reffkin said. “I just remember 

seeing her walk into this room and thought, ‘Wow, I didn’t 

think they made tall, blonde, attractive caddies like that!” 

After the committee meeting, the two returned to school 

but stayed in touch, officially getting together after 

VonderHaar IMed him following a 2006 Minnesota- 

Purdue football game. They dated long distance after 

college before VonderHaar moved to Indianapolis in 2009. 

Months later, Reffkin proposed. They married April 30, 

surrounded by Scholars from both schools. 

Steve Hildebrandt, ‘91, is 

an inventory analyst at United 

Alloy in Janesville, Wis. 

Matt Brukman, ’98, is a 

staff scientist at University 

of Pennsylvania Nano-Bio 

Interface Center. He married 

Claire 

Holroyde on 

Oct. 23. 

wisconsin 

alumni 

900 

Karen 

Derenne, 

’99, married 

Christopher 

Robinson on Oct. 16. The 

couple work at Mayo Clinic in 

Rochester, Minn. 

Peter Laux, ’99, and his wife, 

Barbara, welcomed daughter 

Marguerite Presely on April 

23. 

Nathen Bett, ’02, and his 

wife, Kellie, welcomed 

daughter Danica Jo on March 

7. She weighed 7 lbs., 5 oz., 

and joins brother Langdon. 

Karen Derenne (Wis. ’99) 

married Christopher Robinson 

on Oct. 16. 

Tim Brunow, ’02, is an 

assistant relationship 

manager in the commercial 

real estate department at US 

Bank in Milwaukee. He and 

his wife, Christine, welcomed 

daughter Marissa on June 

29, 2010. She joins brother 

Zach, 3. 

Andrew Bethke, ’11, is 

pursuing a master’s in social 

work at the University of 

Wisconsin. 

Nate Cira, ’11, is pursuing 

a Ph.D. in bioengineering at 

Stanford University near Palo 

Alto, California. 

Samuel Irwin, ’11, is 

enrolled in the Peace Corps 

in Africa. 

theMACreport 

“There was no way in my wildest dreams that she would 

be my wife,” Reffkin said. “The stars just kind of aligned.” 

His new wife agreed. “I’m thrilled....and all because we 

caddied,” she said. “Who would’ve thought” 

Christine and Tim Brunow’s 

(Wis. ’02) daughter, Marissa, 

born June 29, 2010. 

Summer 2011 

43

in memoriam 

Benjamin Dodt (Mo. ‘06) 

Benjamin Dodt of Denver, and formerly of McHenry, 

Ill., died suddenly on Feb. 26. He loved Colorado’s 

outdoors and was an engineer with Knight Piesold in 

Denver. He is survived by his wife, Kate; parents, Bruce 

and Esther; sister, Gwendolyn Parsin; grandparents, 

Owen and Claudette Dodt, and Samuel Dikelsky; lots 

of loving relatives and many dear friends. -From the 

Stillwater Gazette 

Richard Gregory (Wis. ‘57) 

Richard (Dick) Gregory, 76, passed peacefully at home 

in Pleasanton, Calif., on Oct. 31. He was a talented 

musician playing clarinet in a jazz band and singing 

bass in everything from barbershop to concert choir. He 

enjoyed golf, sports, travel, church, friends and family. 

Lester Hayashi (UC-Berkeley ‘76) 

Lester K. Hayashi died on Nov. 3. He was a teaching 

golf pro at Lomas Santa Fe in Solana Beach, Calif., 

for 29 years. “Lester was a rock, a fixture,” said Eby 

Dobson, a 16-year member who was Hayashi’s friend 

and student. “He’s going to be incredibly missed.” 

-From the San Diego Union-Tribune 

Mark Lally (OSU ‘69) 

Mark S. Lally, 63, died peacefully at home in Clintonville, 

Ohio, on Nov. 25. After graduating from The Ohio 

State College of Law, he taught at St. Thomas Aquinas 

Elementary School, Zanesville, worked for the Court of 

Claims of the State of Ohio, and was a president and 

legislative counsel for Ohio Right to Life. He is survived 

by brother, Jack Lally; and sisters, Rita Ralston, Judith 

Pellican and Karen Lally. -From the Columbus Dispatch 

Ted Pasquesi (NU ‘52) 

Theodore Alfonso Pasquesi, 80, of Highland Park, Ill., 

passed away March 20. He was the father of Thomas, 

John and David; grandfather of Sam, Sara, Giancarlo, 

Luca, Teddy and Nina Pasquesi; brother of Joan Pucin 

and the late Francis Rizzolo Mazzocco; and uncle of 

many. -From the Chicago Tribune 

David Roush (Ind. ‘79) 

David Allen Roush, 53, of Las Vegas, passed away 

April 9. He was a senior vice president with Bank of 

Nevada. He was active over the years with the YMCA, 

Las Vegas Founders Club, Junior Golf and Boys & Girls 

Clubs. -From the Las Vegas Review-Journal 

Thomas Tatnall (Ill. ‘63) 

Thomas W. Tatnall, a PGA Master Professional from 

Ridgeland, Miss., passed away April 6. He was a PGA 

member for 46 years, a consultant with Ridgeland’s 

SkyHawke Technologies (SkyGolf), an adjunct faculty 

member for the PGA Education Program, and he 

operated Tatnall Associates. He is survived by his 

wife, Pamela, children Tracy Tatnall Segal, Todd 

George Tatnall, and Sarah Dee Tatnall, as well as 

grandchildren. -From the Clarion Ledger 

John Whyte (Mo. ‘85) 

John Whyte died suddenly on June 6. He was a 

decorated veteran, having been awarded a Bronze Star 

for his efforts with the United States Marine Corps in 

Fallujah, Iraq. He taught high school and coached in the 

Lee’s Summit district in Missouri for eight years, and 

most recently, he worked in international shipments for 

Compass Minerals in Overland Park, Kan. 

OSU Evans Scholars Faculty Advisor Don Denny (1942-2010) 

Don Denny was a beloved faculty advisor 

to the Evans Scholars chapter at The 

Ohio State University for 21 years. He 

died Dec. 18 at the age of 68. Denny was 

a remarkable servant and leader, and a 

mentor to so many Evans Scholars and 

other faculty advisors, in addition to becoming 

a WGA Director and the chairman of the 

Hamilton Scholarship House. “Don did so 

much for me during my time at OSU, and I feel 

so blessed and thankful to have known him,” 

says Steve Leffingwell (OSU ‘00). 


from the archives 

Ohio State University honored Chick Evans in September 1977, presenting him with the school’s 

Distinguished Service Award at an Ohio State football game before a crowd of 84,000 fans. The OSU 

band provided a memorable background for the ceremony, spelling out “Chick” on the field. 

for Chick Evans... 

the biggest thrill in the game of golf was not his 54 victories, or his 

numerous honors. It was the success of the Evans Scholars Foundation 

and the young people whose lives were changed forever by his dream. 

It’s been more than 80 years since it all started, and still... 

Above, from left: then- 

Ohio State president Dr. 

Harold Enarson, then- 

WGA president Robert 

Bohnen, Chick Evans 

and then-Evans Scholars 

Foundation trustee Earl 

Hamilton. 

Chick’s legacy marches on 

Summer 2011 Summer 2011 

45 45

1 Briar Road 

Golf, IL 60029 

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U.S. POSTAGE 

PAID 

Evans Scholars 

Foundation 

USPS 1000 Approved Poly 

It’s on the course where caddies are mentored by successful adults, 

learn life lessons and develop a strong work ethic. It is where they take 

their own shot at opportunity — earning an Evans Scholarship. 

Caddying is more than a summer job — it’s an investment in the future. 

46 The WGA Evans Scholars Magazine 

Photo by Charles Cherney 

The WGA Evans Scholars Magazine: A publication of the Western Golf Association, Evans Scholars Foundation and Evans Scholars Alumni Association

WGA Evans Scholars - Western Golf Association

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