Minnesota Golfer - Directory 2022 - 37

CADDIE CORNER
Minnesota's Evans Scholarship
House Celebrates 20th Anniversary
* BY JACK MENDESH *
S
ince 1954, when the Dating Game's Jim Lange, a Midland
Hills Country Club caddie from St. Paul, became the
first Minnesota Evans Scholar, more than 800 deserving
young men and women caddies have become Minnesota Evans
Scholar alumni. A significant turning
point in the program occurred
in 2001 when plans for a new scholarship
house on the campus of the
University of Minnesota took shape.
The new Evans House provided the
opportunity for the program to move
to a co-ed model, allowing young
women to live in the house and
receive the full benefit of this amazing
program (previously, the women
lived nearby in separate apartments).
Ede Rice, a WGA Director and
instrumental in the new chapter
house project, said, " When the new
house was built,
finally
everyone
could live under the same roof which
really built a sense of community,
something that the Evans Scholarship
is all about. It also gave the Scholars a
true home that they can be proud of. "
The new Evans Scholarship House
came to be with support from all facets
of the Minnesota golf community
with WGA Directors, Evans Scholar
Alumni and Minnesota Clubs and
Associations all contributing. The children
and families of Fritz Corrigan, Sr.,
considered as the " founding father "
of the Minnesota Evans Scholar program,
led by John and Leslie Turner
(honorary chairman of the " Building
Success " campaign, a committee that
ensured the house was built in timely
manner and safely), along with Fritz
and Glenda Corrigan, and Ken and Nan Woodrow, collectively
made the lead donor gift of one million dollars.
In addition, Mark Swenson, principal of ESG Architecture &
Design, designed the Evans Scholarship House pro bono, as he
knew the profound impact of the new chapter house given his
status as an Evans alum. Seven Minnesota clubs and organiza " When
the new house was
built, finally everyone could
live under the same roof
which really built a sense
of community, something
that the Evans Scholarship
is all about. It also gave the
Scholars a true home that
they can be proud of. "
-Ede Rice, WGA Director
tions contributed a combined total of $400,000, Evans Scholar
alumni donated more than $400,000 while past and current
WGA Directors contributed more than $200,000. In total,
more than 350 individuals and companies contributed to the
construction of the house. Without
the help of the entire Minnesota golf
community, the Minnesota Evans
Scholarship House would not have
been a reality.
Today, more than 20 years later, the
chapter house still looks brand new.
There are grateful young men and
women taking full advantage of the
opportunity they've been given. The
scholarship house was " built for the
next 100 years. "
In fact, this summer, the Minnesota
Evans Scholarship House will be home
to the first class of the WGA Caddie
Academy in Minnesota, a 7-week residential
program that provides summer
caddie and educational opportunities
to under-resourced high school students
pursuing the Evans Scholarship.
Historically,
the average family
income of the caddies is $30,000,
many from minority families and
the first generation to attend college.
Participants are chosen based on outstanding
academics, leadership and
character. A group of eight to twelve
students and caddies will have the
chance to earn money, make friends,
meet role models, and learn important
life lessons on the golf course.
Off the golf course, the Caddie
Academy includes test prep,
guest
speakers, college visits and field trips.
Thanks to the Evans House, the Caddie
Academy is possible, and the next generation of caddie scholars
will be able to pursue their educational and life goals to
the fullest.
Jack Mendesh is the MGA's caddie program manager, and can be
reached at caddie@mngolf.org.
mngolf.org
Directory 2022 MINNESOTAGOLFER
37
http://www.mngolf.org
Minnesota Golfer - Directory 2022

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