On the Friday before Memorial Day Weekend, over 130 alumni and friends of Western New England University (WNE) came together for the 57th Annual Alumni Golf Tournament, held at the Country Club of Wilbraham, in Wilbraham, Mass.

This beloved event is an annual reminder of the strength of the Golden Bear community, highlighting the deep-rooted connections that were fostered while on Wilbraham Road and the importance of supporting the next generation of WNE students. For those in attendance, this event also acts as the unofficial start of the summer.

With a goal of supporting current and future students through the Alumni Association Golf Tournament Endowed Scholarship, this annual event has awarded scholars who exemplify commitment, academic excellence, and community engagement over the last 20 years. Each year, through the continued involvement of alumni and friends, the tournament helps grow this scholarship fund and ensures that aid remains available for students with financial need. Thanks to our generous sponsors and participants, this year’s event raised over $25,000!

Emily Day, a rising senior and recipient of the Alumni Association Golf Tournament Endowed Scholarship from Deerfield, Mass., attended the event and spoke to supporters, highlighting the connection between a day of fun and their impact. Majoring in General Business and Political Science, with minors in Enterprise Resource Planning with SAP, Campaigns and Elections, and Public Administration, Day expressed her gratitude for the financial support she has received from this scholarship, which has allowed her to thrive at WNE—not only in her academics but also her extracurriculars. In addition to her rigorous studies, Day is heavily active around campus as president of the Campus Activities Board, president of the Class of 2027 Council, and president of the Pre-Law Society.

While giving back is at the heart of this event, participants still enjoy competing against one another for the top spot (and bragging rights) in one of the categories below. This year’s winners include:

• 1st Place Men’s Division: Country Bank Sponsor Group – Michael Oleksak, Josh Messer ’10, Michael Richard G’98, Chase Puffer
• 1st Place Mixed Division: Ben Coyle ’99/L’03, Jackie Coyle, Tyler Cudnik, Dennis Lopata G’96
• 1st Place Age Division (Over 220): WNE President Joe Hartman, Jeff Segalyn L’76, Vice President for University Advancement Dean Hickey, Interim President Michael Alexander

This incredible day would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors: Copperweld Brand Wire, Alliant, Grodsky & Co., the Class of 1978, TIAA, Springfield Thunderbirds Foundation, WNE Dining, Allison and Stefan G’18/L’18 Sjoberg, Country Bank, Beacon Bank, Aetna, Freedom Credit Union, Maybury, Chris and Amy ’88/G’00 Lewis, and Andrea Kovachy ’92.  

Save the Date: The 59th Annual Alumni Golf Tournament is scheduled for Friday, May 28, 2027. Stay tuned for more details!  

Learn more about student aid and further support fundraising initiatives at alumni.wne.edu/give.