Penn College’s 32nd Golf Classic Boosts Scholarship Assistance

A return appearance by one of the most popular performers on the exhibition circuit helped propel the Penn College Foundation’s 32nd Annual Golf Classic into the record books.

The recent event, headlined for the second consecutive time by golf entertainer Dan Boever, was the most successful in its history – topping $100,000 in scholarship support. Compass Group North America was the title sponsor for the tournament, the net proceeds of which benefit the Penn College Foundation Golf Classic Scholarship.

Boever’s talents are contagiously crowd-pleasing, drawing respectful laughter for the proficiency required to make difficult trick shots look so easy.



“I just want to see people smile; I want to see people have a good time,” said Boever, who handily fulfilled that wish in a morning demonstration prior to tournament play. “This event has a long history of wonderful golfers, and I’m honored that I was invited back.”

The Golf Classic also marked a return to campus for Chris Kowalewski, chief growth officer and senior vice president of sales for the title sponsor, who attended the college’s Visiting Chef Dinner in mid-April.

Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Compass Group North America is the leading food service and support services company with more than 250,000 associates and $17 billion in revenues in 2017.

Its long-standing partnership with Pennsylvania College of Technology is multi-faceted: Kowalewski serves on the institution’s Corporate Advisory Board and the School of Business & Hospitality Advisory Committee, and Compass recently established an endowed scholarship supporting students in business- and hospitality-related programs.

A Compass Group company, Levy Restaurants, known for its hospitality experiences at sports and entertainment venues, has annually provided students and alumni with invaluable hands-on experience at the Kentucky Derby. In May, 28 students and 10 alumni worked alongside Chef Robin Rosenberg, chef de cuisine, who was the featured chef at the 2018 Penn College Visiting Chef event, and Chef David Danielson, executive chef at Churchill Downs, who was the 2016 Penn College Visiting Chef.

“Compass Group is proud to continue and strengthen this relationship with Penn College, and proudly supports the 32nd Annual Penn College Foundation Golf Classic and the scholarships and programs the tournament provides,” said Kowalewski, a Clinton County native. “What you’re all doing for the students is fantastic, and for us to be a part of it is exciting.”

The event’s historic level of student assistance was also reflected in comments throughout the day.

“Tonight, we celebrate 32 years of the Penn College Foundation Golf Classic,” Paul H. Rooney Jr., co-chair of the tournament committee and a member of the foundation’s board of directors, told participants over dinner in the college’s Le Jeune Chef Restaurant. “And thanks to the generosity of supporters and participants such as you, hundreds of students have benefited from more than $675,000 in scholarships that have been awarded as a result of this annual event.”

Rooney shares the chair with Steven M. Sleboda, a fellow member of the foundation board, who joined college President Davie Jane Gilmour in welcoming golfers at an afternoon luncheon.

“Your generosity in supporting the Penn College Golf Classic over the years has built an endowed scholarship fund of more than $1.5 million that generates more than $55,000 annually for scholarships,” the president said. “This has helped hundreds of students pursue ‘degrees that work’ and given them the opportunity for meaningful careers. And for this, I thank you.”

Those interested in contributing to a scholarship – or establishing one – may send a donation to the Penn College Foundation, One College Avenue, Williamsport, PA 17701; call the Institutional Advancement Office toll-free at 866-GIVE-2-PC (866-448-3272).

For more about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.

– Photos by Becky J. Shaner, senior manager of donor relations and special events

Dan Boever (left) and Chris Kowalewski, title sponsor representative

Prominently thanking the friends that make it possible

Smiles as prevalent as the day's sunshine

Aubrey Alexander, of Blaise Alexander Family Dealerships – a Penn College alumnus and member of the Golf Classic Committee – enjoys the exhibition.

Boever enlists a good sport from the Allison Crane and Rigging team.

Another brave volunteer, this one from first-time participant Alta Resources LLC

Kowalewski enjoys the show

During lunch, President Davie Jane Gilmour thanks all for their support.

Williamsport Country Club pro Chris McDonald outlines the tournament rules and logistics.

Boever cozies up with Ed and Linda Alberts (left), of Ralph S. Alberts Co. Inc., and Dave and Maggie Roche, of Roche Financial Inc., all longtime supporters of the event.

The M&T Bank team

The son-and-father team of Derek and Ray Wheeland, of Wheeland Lumber Co. Inc.

A playful pose by a group that includes Golf Classic Committee member John Confer (at arm's length) and co-chair Paul Rooney (second from right).

The Allison Crane and Rigging foursome includes Larry Allison (second from left), a Penn College scholarship donor and member of the Golf Classic Committee.

Allison encourages Alberts to bid on the fishing trip he donated by showing photos of past catches.

Boever enthralls the crowd.