Newsletter. Welcome! Welcome to the fourth issue of the University of Michigan Evans Scholars Alumni Association newsletter.

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1 Volume 1, Issue 4 Newsletter Fall 2016 In This Issue: Par Club Challenge Page 2 Chapter Update Page 3 Match Play Challenge Page 4 New Scholar Introductions Pages 5-9 Reflections on Summer Outing Page 9 A plaque at The Minikahda Club in Minneapolis honors the accomplishments of Chick Evans in Welcome! Welcome to the fourth issue of the University of Michigan Evans Scholars Alumni Association newsletter. In this issue, you ll find information on this year s Par Club Challenge, updates from the Evans Scholars Foundation and active Michigan Scholars, introductions to this year s new Scholars, and a few reflections on this year s Summer Outing at The Minikahda Club in Minneapolis. If you d like to contribute to this publication in the future, or have ideas for how we can add additional content, please reach out to Brent Hertz at brent.hertz@gmail.com. Thanks, University of Michigan Evans Scholars Alumni Association Board Page 1

2 Par Club Challenge Update With the Evans Scholars Foundation receiving a record number of scholarship applications for the sixth consecutive year, it s clear that the need for the Evans Scholarship is greater than ever. The Foundation s goal is to have at least 1,000 Evans Scholars in school, living in community, annually by the year This year, there are 935 Evans Scholars at 20 leading universities nationwide. You can help reach this goal by contributing to the annual Par Club fundraising campaign. The Foundation is striving for a goal of 52 percent Alumni participation in the Par Club in Your contribution will help the University of Michigan compete in the Par Club Challenge, the friendly competition among Alumni to see which chapter will have the highest giving percentage in Through the end of October, Indiana University is leading the Par Club Challenge with 34.7 percent giving. Marquette University (30.5 percent), Northwestern University (30.4 percent) and Michigan (30 percent) are tightly bunched in spots 2-4. Please help us improve on our fifth-place finish from 2015! By donating today, you can give a deserving young caddie the life-changing gift of a college education. How to Donate For just $21 a month, you can become a Par Club member. Please click here to enroll in the Foundation s monthly giving program, or make a one-time gift of $250 or greater. If you have any questions regarding the Par Club, please contact Amy Lillibridge at or lillibridge@wgaesf.org. Page 2

3 University of Michigan Alumni Association Board President Michele (Bryant) Hill (1993) Scholar Relations Matt Way (2009) Communications Liaison Brent Hertz (2012) Special Event Coordinator OPEN (If interested, please contact Michele Hill at Chapter Update The Fall 2016 semester is in full swing at the Michigan Evans Scholarship House! We welcomed in 13 new Scholars this semester along with two transfers from the Michigan State Scholarship House. With the memory of a busy summer and an undefeated record on the football field, the House is buzzing with excitement. Our House has a full schedule of events coming up this fall, which began with the "Chick Day Family Golf Outing" held at Eagle Crest Golf Resort on Oct. 9. This is always an exciting event for Alumni to reconnect with the House. For more details, or for information about next year s event, feel free to contact Kenny O Hanlon at kjohan@umich.edu. Not only are we looking forward to Chick Day, but we are also beginning to plan the Fall Networking Night, where Alumni young and old are invited to discuss career opportunities with current members of the House. We will be sharing more information on this event as soon as we have it! Finally, the current Executive Board has also kick started an initiative to update the House's internet infrastructure. Every year, Scholars arrive with more connected devices, and our House internet is very outdated. The Michigan Scholars are definitely looking forward to the new system! We hope to see you at one of our upcoming Alumni events. As always, Go Blue! Nick Michetti 17 President, University of Michigan Evans Scholars University of Michigan Evans Scholars Chapter President Nick Michetti (2017) nickmich@umich.edu Class Liaisons Open Dick Selvala Open 1965 Frederic Devendorf Open 1977 Bruce Smith 1978 Open 1979 Open 1980 Open (Continued on next page) Michigan Evans Scholars pose with the Havemeyer Trophy bearing Chick s name. Page 3

4 1981 Bill Horal 1982 Mike Sarosi 1983 Bob Merlotti 1984 Mike Gregg 1985 Open 1986 Open 1987 Sandy Lawrence-Ballew 1988 Open 1989 Mark Thomas 1990 Scott Schroeder 1991 Kurt Nelson 1992 Tim Cunnane 1993 Kirk Siefker 1994 Dave Girolamo 1995 Shawn Ward 1996 Open 1997 Open 1998 Mike Howe 1999 Open 2000 Brian Edge 2001 Ryan LeFevre 2002 David Stott 2003 Corwyn Nikkila 2004 Dan Cousino 2005 Peter Brown 2006 Anthony Guerreso 2007 Jeff Malo 2008 Paul Wloszek 2009 Matt Way 2010 Katelyn Malo 2011 Brett Cockerill 2012 Brent Hertz 2013 Brittney Robertson 2014 Mike Shook 2015 Katherine Nagley 2016 Dylan Dewitt If you are interested in acting as a class liaison for a year listed as Open above, please contact Michele Hill at mhill@schoolcraft.edu Save the Date! Michigan Evans Scholars Golf Classic July 10, 2017 Detroit Golf Club Match Play Challenge Looks to Finish Strong There s still time to join the 2016 Match Play Challenge! Pledges from Match Play Partners have helped the Evans Scholars Foundation create a matching pool of more than $4.5 million in That pool is being used to match all major Par Club gifts of $2,500 and greater this year, doubling the contributions of donors in an effort to give more young men and women caddies the life-changing gift of a college education. The Match Play Challenge the major gifts component of the annual Par Club fundraising campaign raised $9.7 million in But that number must be surpassed in 2016 as the cost of college tuition continues to skyrocket and applications for the Evans Scholarship pour in at a record rate. We are sincerely grateful to all of our donors for their support of the Match Play Challenge, said David Robinson, WGA Chairman. However, the continued success of these efforts in the coming months is essential to ensure we meet the needs of all qualified applicants. Visit for more information or to join this winning challenge. Page 4

5 Brennan Burke East Grand Rapids HS Cascade Hills Country Club University of Michigan Class of 2020 My name is Brennan Burke, and I am one of the new Scholars at the University of Michigan. I was born in Grand Rapids, and I ve lived there my entire life. I am currently pursuing a major in Computer Science through the College of Literature, Science, and Arts. Also I plan to get a minor in Spanish during my four years here. I have grown to love what this city and the University of Michigan has to offer. I have been able to explore my interests and passions and I m participating in multiple intramural sports. None of this would have been possible without the Evans Scholarship, and I am so grateful. Not only am I able to attend one of the most prestigious universities in the country, but I am able to do it free of tuition and housing costs thanks to the generosity of the Evans Scholars Foundation. This is an immense help to my family and I as my older brother is already here attending the University of Michigan and has accumulated a large amount of debt due to all of the loans he has had to take out. With my little sister nearing college, the financial help that the Evans Scholarship provides makes it possible for me to have this college experience. The friends I have already made here and the connections the Evans Scholarship provides for the future are among the reasons why I will be forever grateful. Theo Chillis Cass Technical HS Country Club of Detroit Anthony Coffie Jackson HS Country Club of Jackson My name is Theo Chillis, and I am an Evans Scholar at the University of Michigan. I am from Detroit, and my time here has been very interesting. I am in the College of Literature, Science and Arts with an interest in studying Neuroscience. This Scholarship has allowed me to further my horizons by being more than just a student. I have joined two medical clubs: Black Undergraduate Medical Association and Doctors of Tomorrow Rising. I have also joined a community outreach club called Brothers Seeking Billions. Doing all of this while attending all my classes and participating in Intramural Sports has been a huge adjustment for me. Every day that I come home to the Evans Scholars House, I am very grateful for the blessing it has been to my family and I. The Evans Scholarship has provided learning experiences by allowing me to speak with the other Scholars and get a feel from where they come from. We are all from different backgrounds and I love just being able to walk into an upperclassman s room to talk with them about how they re feeling. Coming from a predominantly African American high school and city, it has been the community that I love most about the Evans Scholarship. My name is Anthony Coffie II, and I am from Jackson. As a 12 year old, I started caddying at the Country Club of Jackson. Initially, I wasn t sure that I d stick with the job, due to the unfamiliar environment. Something told me to persist and maintain my patience, and over time I began to notice many aspects of my personal growth that resulted from working as a caddie. I gained knowledge on how to converse with people I never would have imagined conversing with. Some of the members became good friends of mine. In fact, many of them are back home, cheering me on right now. I take this Scholarship very seriously because I know that my family, friends, and my city are counting on me to do my best to seize this opportunity. Here at the University of Michigan, I plan to pursue International Business specifically. I think it is a wonderful time to be here at UM and an even better time to be at the Evans House because it is undoubtedly a family unit here; I m just blessed. Page 5

6 University of Michigan Class of 2020 My name is Mitchell Hoffman and I am a new Scholar at the University of Michigan. I grew up in Harbor Springs, where I work on the grounds crew and caddie at Wequetonsing Golf Club. As of now I am enrolled in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts, but I am undecided on a major. I am considering majoring in economics, business, environmental science or statistics, and am taking classes in those fields right now to help me narrow down my decision. The Evans Scholarship has not only given me the ability to attend a school that I would not have been able to, but also has given me a home and family here at the University of Michigan. Because of the Evans Scholarship, I have met incredible people and have been able to become very close friends with students who I would have never even Mitchell Hoffman talked to. The Evans Scholarship is an extraordinary opportunity that is greatly assisting me Harbor Springs HS in growing as a person as well as achieving academic success and will open a great amount Wequetonsing Golf Club of doors for me in the future. I am extremely grateful for receiving the Evans Scholarship and will continue to be for the rest of my life. Bailey Forde Fenwick Oak Park Country Club My name is Bailey Forde, and I am an Evans Scholar at the University of Michigan. I was born and raised near the western suburbs of Chicago. I am currently enrolled in the school of nursing, a four-year program here at Michigan. I plan on finishing up my four years here with a BSN, and continuing on to become a nurse practitioner. The financial, educational, and networking impact that the Scholarship has made on me is clear and substantial, but the underlying impact that Scholarship has made on me is that it has given me have a home away from home a family to look forward to living with the next four years. I have always been a homebody, a trait that has made the transition to college hard enough as it is; however, I have only been living here for four weeks and I already feel like I have made friends I can rely on for a lifetime. Receiving the Evans Scholarship is an accomplishment that will assist me in all of my future endeavors, and I could not be more grateful to have been given this opportunity. Gabriel Harris De La Salle Collegiate Lochmoor Club My name is Gabriel Harris, and I m currently a student in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan. I m intending on studying economics with plans to earn a minor degree in finance from the Ross School of Business as well. So far during my time here at Michigan I have quickly grown fond of Ann Arbor, truly one of the best cities in the country, and discovered what makes Michigan as great as it is: the opportunities and people. I ve been able to find great activities that match my interests, primarily, tennis, playing the saxophone, and learning about the role of business across industries. As I go through every day I m constantly reminded what has made these moments possible for me: the Evans Scholarship. It s hard to know for sure where I would have ended up without it, but I do know that it wouldn t be the great position I am in. The impact it has had on my life is immeasurable, and I will be forever grateful for the opportunities it has given me. Page 6

7 Reily Ellis Waterford Kettering HS Plum Hollow Country Club Michael Levesque St. Ignatius Chicago Highlands Club Jaclyn Prucha Mother McAuley HS Beverly Country Club University of Michigan Class of 2020 My name is Reily Ellis and I am a new Scholar at the University of Michigan. I am from Waterford, a suburban town about 45 minutes northeast of Ann Arbor. I am currently enrolled in the College of Engineering with plans of graduating with a degree in electrical engineering. I have been able to take early advantage of some of the many resources here at the university, whether that is joining study groups or participation in intramural sports. Aside from these activities, I am a member of the Shell Eco-Marathon Supermileage Racecar design team and am planning on joining other clubs involving engineering consulting and entrepreneurship. Even in my relatively short time as a Scholar, I have been able to realize the world of opportunities that has been opened up for me by the Evans Scholars Foundation. It is hard to put my appreciation for this Foundation into words. Without this Scholarship, I would not have the opportunity to attend a world-class university and experience most of the benefits that the University of Michigan has to offer. The sense of community within our own House and within the Foundation as a whole is one of the many things that I have come to truly appreciate and enjoy about this Scholarship. Although I am only in my first year, I know that I will be eternally grateful for the opportunities and generosity provided to me by the Evans Scholars Foundation. My name is Michael Levesque. I m from Westchester, a suburb of Chicago. I went to Saint Ignatius College Prep and was dedicated to my academics and extracurricular involvement there. Outside of the classroom, I worked at Chicago Highlands Club and learned about this magnificent opportunity from members who were Evans Scholars themselves. I set a goal to earn this prestigious scholarship and was supported by a loving community of family, friends, and mentors. I did achieve this goal! The moments I opened my acceptance letter to the University of Michigan and when I received my award letter are still at the forefront of my mind. The feeling of accomplishment and pride mixed with the surreal idea that I am able to afford a quality education is one that I cannot begin to put in words. I am beyond thankful for all those who are wanting me to succeed and generous enough to invest in my future. I do not take a moment for granted. My top priority is to excel in the classroom. I am hoping to study marketing or advertising through the business school. I am on the Model United Nations team and business team for a fashion and culture publication on campus. I am enjoying myself and still cannot believe how everything has fallen into place. My name is Jaclyn Prucha, and I am delighted to be an Evans Scholar at the University of Michigan. I am from the south side of Chicago, and have fallen in love with Ann Arbor so far. Here at U of M, I am currently enrolled in the School of Nursing as a first year nursing student. My plans are to finish with a BSN and become a specialty nurse. I am also an active new member on the U of M Equestrian team. When I m not studying or riding horses, I am usually running long-distance for fun. The Scholarship has provided me with these opportunities here at U of M, and I could not be more thankful. The significance of the Evans Scholarship is indescribable to my family and me. I live with my dad and twin sister, who attends Indiana University as an Evans Scholar. My mom is rooting for me from above, as she passed away a year ago. This Scholarship allowed me to go to college at one of the best universities in the country, because it would not have been possible for my family without the help of the ESF. Page 7

8 University of Michigan Class of 2020 Brendan Sanders Benjamin Franklin HS Western Golf & Country Club My name is Brendan Sanders and I am a new Scholar at the University of Michigan. I am from Livonia, which is about 25 minutes away from the school. I am currently in the School of Kinesiology and studying sport management. I have joined a club called Sports Business Association, and I was also named the Sport Management Advisory Board scholar, the first one at the university. This Scholarship has allowed me to expand my horizons and grow both academically and as a person. I have met a lot of amazing people that I know will help me for more than just my four years in school. My mom and sister are both paying off student loans and I am able to steer clear of any debt with the help of the Evans Scholars Foundation. I have grown to appreciate the help and generosity I am receiving and it has helped me view my opportunities in a different manner. I no longer take what I am given for granted and my hard work is finally paying off. I am so grateful for this opportunity and I will take advantage of all of its resources. Logan Steffes Lakeshore HS Point O Woods Country Club My name is Logan Steffes, and I am a new Evans Scholar at the University of Michigan. I am from Saint Joseph, a small town in southwest Michigan. I graduated from Lakeshore High School and I am currently enrolled in the School of Kinesiology here at the University of Michigan. My major is currently sport management and I plan to stay in that program. This Scholarship has given me an opportunity to do what I did not believe I could do. Coming from a small town, very few people leave after high school. Like the others here, I do not come from a very privileged family, and it would have been extremely hard to leave high school and set big goals for myself. Now, the sky is the limit. I have already made connections here at this amazing university that I would not have been able to otherwise. Thanks to this Scholarship, I have the opportunity to accomplish goals far and beyond expectations. I am so grateful for this opportunity. Thomas Sweeney Shelton HS Country Club of Fairfield My name is Tommy Sweeney, and I am an Evans Scholar at the University of Michigan. I am from Shelton, Connecticut, and currently planning to apply to the Ross School of Business. My goal is to graduate with a finance degree. The Evans Scholarship has made it possible for me to explore my interests and pursue my passions at the prestigious University of Michigan. Participating on various intramural sports teams and learning from current business leaders are only a few of the resources i have been able to take advantage of. This Scholarship has provided me with access to opportunities I previously only dreamt of. The Scholarship s worth to me can not be quantified, as it means more than just the ability to attend an exceptional university. It provides my family with the ability to not be bogged down by student loans and me with the opportunity to take control of my own future. Page 8

9 Joshua Wilk De La Salle Collegiate Lochmoor Club My name is Joshua Wilk and I am a new Scholar at the University of Michigan. I was born in Detroit, and I have lived in Saint Clair Shores my entire life. I graduated from De La Salle Collegiate, and I am currently in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts. I plan to major in Political Science in hopes of attending Law School after graduating. Throughout my brief time in Ann Arbor I have been able to broaden my horizons, and to meet many wonderful people who will be vital in the person I will become. My brother just recently graduated from the University of Michigan, and will be paying off student loans for years to come. The Evans Scholars Foundation has given me a very generous head start to accomplishing my goals, and I could not be more thankful. Without them I would not be able to have met these wonderful people in this amazing city, and attend the greatest university in the world. Reflections on Summer Outing June 2016, The Minikahda Club On June 26-27, Scholars and Alumni from around the country descended on The Minikahda Club in Minneapolis to participate in the Summer Outing. The two-day event showcased all that is wonderful about the Evans Scholarship. This year, I had the privilege of attending the event as the representative from the University of Michigan Alumni chapter. I had attended the event many times previously as an active Scholar, but this was my first opportunity to attend as an alumnus. There were a couple things that stood out as I participated in the event. The first item that stood out was the overwhelming sense of community among the Alumni, active Scholars, Directors and the ESF staff. In each and every room, at every meal and every session, the directive was clear: We are here to get the most out of the young men and women that represent Chick Evans dream. Scholars talked with Directors, Directors with Alums, Alums with staff, etc. Each conversation was a way to learn from one another and share collective experiences to benefit one another. The second item that stood out was the innovation coming from the ESF. As we are all aware, there are many challenges facing the Scholarship in its quest to grow and maintain a standard of excellence. As an organization, the ESF is pushing forward with innovative ways to engage applicants and broaden the already diverse base of Scholars. Mike Maher spoke to the chapter representatives for the Alumni Association about the Caddie Academy and the growth of the program over the first few years, as well as the plans for continued future growth. This type of program, and others like it that are in the works, are what will sustain our beloved Program and push it into the future. Each one of us, as a Scholar, Alum, Director, or member of the Staff play a role in the success of the program, and it is truly a pleasure to play that role each and every day as we give back. - Brent Hertz ( 12), Communications Chair Kyle Cash ( 13) and Brent Hertz ( 12) with Caddie Hall of Fame Inductee and keynote Speaker Thomas Friedman. Page 9