This year’s UT Dallas golf tournament fundraiser outgrossed last year’s to bring the total of the two endowments it supports to more than $279,000.

Money raised from the tournament, held April 21 at the Sherrill Park Golf Course in Richardson, benefits the Betty and Gifford Johnson Graduate Scholarship and the Patti Henry-Pinch Undergraduate Scholarship.

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Tournament Pictures

Players and donors contributed more than $36,000 to benefit UT Dallas students, topping last year’s total by about $20,000.

“This is a significant achievement, as we’ve more than doubled our annual contribution to UT Dallas scholarships at a time when support of our students really means a great deal to them,” said Dr. Calvin D. Jamison, senior vice president for Business Affairs.

Interest drawn from the principal funds a variety of undergraduate – and graduate-student activities.

Gray skies delivered a dubious start to the tournament, threatening rain on the 150 or so golfers. But by midday, the sun appeared for what turned out to be a beautiful day for golfing.

“This is my second year playing in it,” said Dwight Clasby, assistant vice president for Development. “You get to meet so many people connected to the University in different ways. During play, you learn how they are involved with the University, the connections they have. And it’s striking how positive everyone is about what’s going on here at the University. It brings the UT Dallas family together.”

 “We had a great time,” said Dr. Lawrence Redlinger, executive director for Strategic Planning and Analysis. “Play moved along very well. I think the number of teams the tournament accommodated was wonderful and very well-handled.”

Jamison and golf tournament committee chairwoman Tysh Coleman had set a goal of doubling last year’s contribution to UT Dallas Scholarships.

“Lofty donations and support from all of our sponsors greatly contributed to the success of our campaign,” Coleman said.

 “Without that scholarship funding, many students would not have a way to attend prestigious scholarly events to present posters at conferences and scientific sessions,” said Dean of Graduate Studies and event co-sponsor Austin Cunningham. 

The Betty and Gifford Johnson Graduate Scholarship is named for the former president of the predecessor to UT Dallas, the Southwest Center for Advanced Studies, and the latter is named for Patti Henry-Pinch, a life member of the University’s development board.

After a hiatus in 2007 and 2008, the benefit tournament was revived in 2009. Business Affairs, in conjunction with graduate studies, has organized the tournament fundraiser since 1992.

“We have developed something very special for the UT Dallas community and plan to continue to grow the tournament and the scholarship fund, which benefits so many worthy students,” Jamison said.

Next year’s golf tournament is set for Thursday, April 19, 2012.