(April 30, 2015) –“This is a milestone as we welcome UMES as the first collegiate chapter of the EWGA,” says CEO Pam Swensen. “We anticipate this to be the first of many collegiate chapters to come. EWGA excels at creating opportunities for women to use golf personally and professionally. We are delighted to provide our collegiate members with leadership tools to be successful both on and off the course.”
Eight UMES undergraduates became the Chapter’s Charter members.
New members and advisers of UMES’ EWGA chapter, from left are: (front row), Tiana Jones, Tymeia Taylor, Jasmin Cunningham, UMES President Juliette B. Bell, Nia Troutman, Jamila Johnson; (back row) Tadeeja Appleby, Alison Harris, Joe Journey, Kimberly C. Dumpson and Norman Blanco. Membership is open to both genders.
The chapter launch is part of UMES’s ‘Pink on the Green’ initiative to get more women playing golf. On April 30, 2015, UMES will host an all campus event from 11AM – 2PM at its driving range to promote the game of golf to their students, faculty and staff. At noon, a ceremony with EWGA representatives and University dignitaries will culminate with the signing of the first collegiate Chapter Affiliation Agreement.
“UMES is honored to partner with the EWGA in this pioneering effort to form a collegiate chapter on our campus,” University President Juliette B. Bell said. “This is an innovative approach to diversifying the golf industry, which has been our motivation since our golf management program accepted its first students in 2008.”
An early evening gathering for women in the community is also planned. Anyone interested in learning more about the game of golf is invited to the University driving range from 5-7 PM, April 30th. Golf professionals and EWGA leaders from the nearby EWGA Eastern Shore, Maryland Chapter will be present to talk about the many benefits of golf and upcoming learning and playing opportunities around the area.
“I am happy that this has come together,” says Jamila Johnson, PGA PGM Academic Service Coordinator at UMES. ” The girls are very enthusiastic and they are looking forward to being even more involved with other chapters over the summer.”
Photo Above: UMES President Juliette B. Bell is pictured with EWGA representatives, from left, Sheryl Wilkerson, volunteer president of the EWGA board of directors; Renee Powell, a member, retired pro tour golfer and honorary member of St. Andrew’s Golf Club in Scotland; and Hollis Kerler, EWGA chapter development director.
Also joining in this growth of the game celebration will be Ohio Golf Hall of Famer and former LPGA Tour player, Renee Powell. Powell, a recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service Degree from UMES, was awarded EWGA’s 2002 Leadership Award recognizing her outstanding contributions to women’s golf. Named the First Lady of Golf by the PGA in 2003, her history making continues, as she becomes one of the first female members of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews.
For more information about the EWGA and membership, visit ewga.com. For information on starting an EWGA Collegiate Chapter please contact chapters@myewga.com
