Cougar Classic Scholarship Scramble

Press Release:

The Genesee Community College Foundation and Cougar Classic Scholarship Scramble Honorary Chairperson, Todd Bender '89, have announced the Annual Cougar Classic Golf Tournament is scheduled for Monday, July 17, 2023 at Stafford Country Club in Stafford.

Bender, a Batavia resident, earned an associate degree in Liberal Arts and Science from GCC in 1989, and went on to earn an associate degree in Electrical Engineering and a bachelor degree in Business Management and Decision Sciences from RIT. Bender is married to Kathy Bender and is the proud father of three children and spouse/fiance, Ryan & Courtney, Lindsey & Jason and Evan & Savannah. Todd is the co-founder of The Igniter Group, a point in time investment company that holds a number of operating companies within their portfolio. Todd is a serial entrepreneur with several successful start-up companies and acquisitions throughout his career.

A member of the Foundation Board of Directors since 2007, Bender has led the Board as President as well as served on the Housing Corporation Board of Directors and numerous committees. Todd and is wife, Kathy, also chaired Encore, the Foundation's largest annual fundraising event which benefits the GCC scholarship program.

"I am sincerely grateful to Todd for serving as chair for this year's Cougar Classic," remarked Justin Johnston, GCC Foundation Executive Director. "He has supported the Foundation and College and is a proud GCC Alum. Todd's leadership is vital to so many areas of GCC, and I look forward to working with him on this important initiative to raise scholarship funds for our GCC students."

"It is my honor to chair this year's Cougar Classic Golf Tournament", said Bender. "I have been a participant for many years now and really enjoy it. It is well run, held on a beautiful local golf course, there are a lot of community members I see every year and it is always a lot of fun! Most importantly, I am so thankful to help raise money that goes directly into the hands of the students in need at GCC. I look forward to seeing everyone on July 17th!"

The Cougar Classic Scholarship Scramble allows up to 36 foursomes for the 18-hole event at the esteemed Stafford Country Club. Registration includes 18 holes of golf, a golf cart, all beer and nonalcoholic beverages during play, lunch and dinner with a cash bar, and much more!

Most importantly, all proceeds from the Cougar Classic support GCC's student scholarship program, making higher education possible for deserving students in our communities.

Businesses and individuals looking to take advantage of this event's advertising opportunities and lock in sponsorship levels are encouraged to act early as this event sells out quickly! Event details, registration and sponsorship forms are available by contacting the Foundation office at (585) 345-6809 or via email at foundation@genesee.edu.

For more information or photographs contact Vice President, Development and External Affairs Justin Johnston, at 585-345-6809, or via email: jmjohnston@genesee.edu.

Photo submitted by GCC. 

Press release:

The Genesee Community College Foundation and Cougar Classic Scholarship Honorary Chairperson, Mickey J. Hyde '87, have confirmed the 7th Annual Cougar Classic Scholarship Scramble will take place on Monday, July 18, 2022, at the Stafford Country Club, 8873 Morganville Road (Rte. 237) in Stafford.

Hyde, a resident of LeRoy, earned an associate degree in Business and Marketing from GCC in 1987 when he was also named the College's Scholar-Athlete of the Year for his participation in baseball and bowling. As a baseball player, he was named to All-District, All-Region, and All-Conference teams. After graduation, he played five seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies organization, culminating in a call-up to Triple-A Scranton Wilkes-Barre in 1993. During his career, he was named the Phillies Minor League Player of the Month in April 1991 and that year was named the Phillies "Outstanding Player of Spring Training." Hyde earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Management from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida. In 2003, he joined Tompkins Bank of Castile and currently is vice president and branch manager of the Bank's LeRoy branch. He has served on the boards of Genesee Orleans Ministry of Concern, Leadership Genesee's Funding Committee, Wyoming County Community Action, and GCC's Walkathon. He is a member of LeRoy-Pavilion-Stafford Kiwanis, the Rochester Press-Radio Club, and the Sons of the American Legion.

"I am sincerely grateful to Mickey for serving as chair for the seventh annual Cougar Classic," remarked Executive Director of the GCC Foundation, Justin Johnston. "He has supported our Cougar Pride Athletic Campaign, previous Cougar Classic tournaments and is a proud 2010 GCC Athletic Hall of Fame inductee. Mickey's leadership is vital to so many areas of GCC, and I look forward to working with him on this important initiative to raise scholarship funds for our GCC students."

The Cougar Classic Scholarship Scramble allows up to 36 foursomes for the 18-hole event at the esteemed Stafford Country Club. Sign-in starts at 11:00 a.m. with lunch available, and golfers tee off in "shotgun" style at 12:30 p.m. Registration is $150 per golfer and includes 18 holes of golf, a golf cart, all beer, and nonalcoholic beverages during play, lunch, and dinner with a cash bar, and much more! Those wishing to attend only dinner can do so for $40.

The registration deadline for golfers is July 1, 2022. Contact Director of Development and Alumni Affairs Jennifer Wakefield at (585) 343-0055 ext. 6265 or via email at foundation@genesee.edu. The golfer registration form is also available online at https://gccfoundationinc.org/cougar-classic/

Most importantly, all proceeds go directly to the GCC student scholarship program, making higher education possible for deserving students in our community.

Submitted photo and press release:

The Genesee Community College Foundation and Cougar Classic Scholarship Scramble Honorary Chairperson Gina G. Giese ('91) have confirmed the Sixth Annual Cougar Classic Scholarship Scramble will take place on Monday, July 19, at Stafford Country Club in Stafford.

Giese, a Batavia resident, earned an associate degree in Business and Marketing from GCC in 1991, a bachelor's degree in the same from Buffalo State College and an MBA from Canisius College. She has spent her career as a local business leader. She is currently retail regional manager, administrative vice president at M&T Bank in Batavia, where she started her career with the bank 32 years ago.

A devoted volunteer and member of GCC's Alumni Council since 2011, Giese has served on many committees including the Cougar Classic and GCC Alumni Panel Series. She and her husband, Walter, are golfers and have also volunteered on the PGA Tour.

"I am sincerely grateful to Gina for serving as chair for the sixth annual Cougar Classic," said Executive Director of the GCC Foundation, Justin Johnston. "In my time at GCC, I've enjoyed collaborating with her on our Alumni Council. Gina's leadership is vital to so many areas of GCC, and I look forward to working with her on this important initiative to raise scholarship funds for our GCC students."

The Cougar Classic Scholarship Scramble allows up to 36 foursomes for the 18-hole event at the esteemed Stafford Country Club. Registration includes 18 holes of golf, a golf cart, all beer and nonalcoholic beverages during play, lunch and dinner with a cash bar, and much more!

Most importantly, all proceeds from the Cougar Classic support GCC student scholarship programs, making higher education possible for deserving students in our communities.

Businesses and individuals looking to take advantage of this event's advertising opportunities and lock in sponsorship levels are encouraged to act early and contact Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs Jennifer Wakefield directly at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6265, or via email at jgwakefield@genesee.edu.

Exciting new event details, registration and sponsorship forms will be available here.

Photo from a previous Cougar Classic Scholarship Scramble, from left: Erik Fix, Samantha Schafer, Gina Geise and Walter Szczesny.

Press release:

The Alumni Affairs Office at Genesee Community College and Cougar Classic Scholarship Scramble Honorary Chairperson Robert J. Bennett, GCC Class of 1974, has confirmed the Fifth Annual Cougar Classic Scholarship Scramble will take place on Monday, July 20, at the Stafford Country Club, 8873 Morganville Road (Route 237) in Stafford.

Bennett, a Le Roy, resident, earned an associate degree in Accounting from GCC in 1974 and then a bachelor's degree in the same from SUNY Albany. He spent his entire career as a local entrepreneur and business leader until his recent retirement as vice president and sales manager after 26 years with Tompkins Bank of Castile.

A devoted volunteer and member of the GCC Foundation Board of Directors for more than 20 years, Bennett has served on or chaired every Foundation committee including having served as a president of the GCC Foundation and his efforts as part of the GCC Housing Board of Directors contributed to the creation of student housing at GCC.

In 2015, Bennett and his wife, Lori Bennett, served as co-chairs of GCC's 2015 Encore Celebration with the theme: "Nature's Bounty: Roots to Bloom," which also raises scholarship funds. All of these voluntary efforts earned him an Alpha Medal of Service Award in 2015. In addition to his service to GCC, Bennett has been an active community member participating in the Le Roy Rotary, Genesee County Planning Board, Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA), Genesee County United Way and so many more.

"How appropriate that Bob Bennett chairs the fifth annual Cougar Classic exactly five years after he received the Alpha Medal of Service at GCC's Commencement ceremony," said Vice President of External Affairs of Genesee Community College Justin M. Johnston. "In my short time at GCC, I've heard story after story of how Bob exemplifies what it means to be part of GCC. I look forward to working with him on this important scholarship scramble."

The Cougar Classic Scholarship Scramble allows up to 36 foursomes for the 18-hole event at the esteemed Stafford Country Club. Registration includes 18 holes of golf, a golf cart, all beer and nonalcoholic beverages during play, lunch and dinner with a cash bar, and much more!

As an added bonus, this year, anyone not interested in golfing can participate in an all-new Bocce Tournament which will take place during the golf scramble at the Stafford Country Club. Mary Blevins and Jenna Holota, who also work together at ESL Federal Credit Union in Batavia, have teamed up again to share their expertise and co-chair the Bocce Tournament portion of the afternoon. Sign-up details will be announced soon.

Most importantly, all proceeds from the entire Cougar Classic go directly to the GCC student scholarship program, making higher education possible for deserving students in our community.

Businesses and individuals looking to take advantage of GCC's advertising opportunities and lock in sponsorship levels are encouraged to act early and contact Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs Jennifer Wakefield directly at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6265, or via email at jgwakefield@genesee.edu.

Exciting new event details and additional registration and sponsorship forms will be posted here or available by contacting Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs Jennifer Wakefield at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6265, or via email at jgwakefield@genesee.edu.

(Photo from GCC's 2019 Cougar Classic.)

Submitted photos and press release:

The Alumni Affairs Office at Genesee Community College is spending the snowy season thinking about warmer days and golf!

Under the direction of Cougar Classic Scholarship Scramble Honorary Chairperson Wesley Bedford, GCC Class of 2006, plans for the event are well underway.

Registration is now open for the fourth annual Cougar Classic Scholarship Scramble scheduled for Monday, July 22, at the Stafford Country Club, 8873 Morganville Road (Route 237) in Stafford.

The Cougar Classic Scholarship Scramble allows up to 36 foursomes for the 18-hole event at the esteemed Stafford Country Club.

Sign-in starts 11:30 a.m. with lunch available, and golfers tee off in "shotgun" style at 12:30 p.m. Registration is $125 per golfer and includes 18 holes of golf, a golf cart, all beer and nonalcoholic beverages during play, lunch and dinner with a cash bar, and much more!

To join the event for dinner only is $25. Most importantly, all proceeds go directly to the GCC student scholarship program, making higher education possible for deserving students in our community.

The registration deadline for golfers is June 28. Contact Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs Jennifer Wakefield at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6265, or via email at jgwakefield@genesee.edu. The golfer registration form is also available online here.

Additional opportunities to sponsor GCC scholarships are available at a number of levels ranging from $100 to $3,000. Sponsorships for golf games, including a putting contest, longest drive, closest to the pin, and beat the pro and other in-kind support efforts are also being accepted.

A sponsorship sign-up form with all donation details is available here and should be sent to Jennifer Wakefield at jgwakefield@genesee.edu to reserve a sponsorship level.

(Photos from 2018 Cougar Classic Scholarship Scramble.)

Press release and photos from Genesee Community College:

While there may still be flurries in the air and icy sidewalks, the Alumni Affairs Office at Genesee Community College is thinking about golf!

Registration is now open for the third annual Cougar Classic Scholarship Scramble scheduled for Monday, July 23, at the Stafford Country Club, 8873 Morganville Road (Route 237) in Stafford.

The Cougar Classic Scholarship Scramble allows up to 36 foursomes for the 18-hole event at the esteemed Stafford Country Club. Sign-in starts 11:30 a.m. with lunch available, and golfers tee off in "shotgun" style at 12:30 p.m. 

Registration is $125 per golfer and includes 18 holes of golf, a golf cart, all beer and nonalcoholic beverages during play, lunch and dinner with a cash bar, and much more!

To join the event for dinner only is $25.

Most importantly, all proceeds go directly to GCC Student Scholarship Program, making higher education possible for deserving students in our community.

The registration deadline for golfers is June 15. Contact Assistant Director of Alumni Affairs Jennifer Wakefield at 343-0055, ext. 6265, or via email at jgwakefiled@genesee.edu.

The golfer registration form is also available online here.

Additional opportunities to sponsor GCC scholarships are available at a number of levels ranging from $100 to $3,000.

Sponsorships for golf games, including a putting contest, longest drive, closest to the pin, and beat the pro and other in-kind support efforts are also being accepted.

A sponsorship sign-up form with all donation details is available here and should be sent to Jennifer Wakefield at jgwakefiled@genesee.edu to reserve a sponsorship level.

Press release:

The 2017 Cougar Classic Golf Tournament is just a few months away and registration is now open for the second annual event scheduled for Monday, July 24, which will once again take place at the prestigious Stafford Country Club, 8873 Morganville Road, (Route 237) Stafford. With 88 golfers, 22 teams, 60 sponsors and tons of fun the inaugural event in 2016 raised approximately $25,000 for student scholarships!

The registration deadline is June 16, so don't wait until the last minute!

"We're looking forward to building on last year's success," Jerry Reinhart, who is returning as chair of the Cougar Classic Golf Tournament. Reinhart is member of GCC's Class of 1971, founder of Access Rentals and president of Reinhart Enterprises Inc.

"Although we saw a few raindrops last year, we're anticipating another day of quality golfing among friends and colleagues, and all for a great cause," Reinhart said. "As an alumnus myself, I can attest to the value a GCC degree and the important contribution the College makes to our community overall."

Up to 36 foursomes will once again take part in the 18-hole event, which tees off in "shotgun" style at 12:30 p.m. New this year will be a bocce tournament, welcoming more than just golfers to join the fun. Registration will begin at 11:30 a.m. with a light lunch available. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., participants are invited to attend dinner in the club house where a silent auction and prize drawings will conclude the event. Games including Skins, Beat the Pro, Longest Drive (Men's and Women's), Closest to the Pin and a Putting Contest add excitement to the day and gives everyone a chance to walk away with one of a number of prizes.

Sponsorships of all kinds are currently being sought to support the event and student scholarships. The sponsorship levels are: Platinum $3,000; Diamond/Dinner $2,000; Gold/Lunch $1,500; Silver/Beverage Cart Sponsor/$1,000; Titanium/Tee $500; and Bronze/Hole $100. In-kind support, golf games, and clever or creative sponsorships are also appreciated. The first gracious sponsor is the John W. Danforth Company, which pledged at the $1,000 Silver Level.

The cost per foursome is $500, or $125 per individual golfer. The cost to participate in the Bocce Tournament is $200 per team of four or $60 per individual player. For anyone interested in attending the event and supporting local students but cannot make the golf tournament, the dinner-only option is only $20 per person.

To receive a Cougar Classic printed invitation, participate as a golfer, bocce competitor, sponsor, volunteer or dinner guest, please contact Jennifer Zambito at (585) 343-0055, ext. 6265 or email the alumni office at alumni@genesee.edu. For further information, including golf and sponsorship registration and event updates, check out the Cougar Classic website at www.genesee.edu/home/offices/alumni/cougar-classic/.