Construction alumni association raises $45K for scholarships

  Thursday, July 18, 2013 2:00 AM
  News

Pittsburg, KS

When is a round of golf more than a round of golf? When it raises thousands of dollars for student scholarships.

That’s just what the Pittsburg State Construction Alumni Association (PSCAA) did this summer, raising approximately $45,000 through two golf tournaments in June.  

A tourney on June 17 at the Deer Creek Golf Course in Kansas City raised nearly $25,000. A Wichita tourney on June 24 at Reflection Ridge Golf Course netted nearly $20,000. A third tournament will be held on Sept. 27 at the Crestwood Country Club in Pittsburg.

The money raised will go toward scholarships for PSU construction students.

“We were very excited by the turnout and the money raised at this summer’s golf tournaments,” said Jim Otter, chair of the PSU School of Construction and a co-founder of the PSCAA. “It’s always great to have people come out to support our cause, which is ultimately to better the lives of our students. The scholarships awarded truly do make a substantial impact on the education and the lives of Pitt State students.”

The PSCAA was born in 1988, when four graduates of the PSU School of Construction teamed up to create a $200 scholarship for a student in the construction program. A few years later, the number of donors had increased and the total amount for scholarships jumped to between $1,500 and $2,000. Soon after, the PSCAA began hosting golf tournaments in Pittsburg, Kansas City and Wichita to raise money.

The group raised more than $54,000 in 2012, Otter said. Of that, more than $34,000 was awarded as scholarships. Since its inception, the PSCAA has raised more than $500,000 for student scholarships.

Otter, who formed the PSCAA with Mike Holman, Rob Jarvis and Mike McGivern, said the group’s mission is to support students who have a passion for construction.

“The idea was to help offset the cost of an education for the students who show a strong desire and love for the construction field,” Otter said. “The scholarships typically go to juniors and seniors who have proven their dedication to the construction program.”